DUXBURY - January 12, 2026 - In a significant shift for town governance, the Selectboard voted 3-1 to place an article on the 2026 Annual Town Warrant asking voters to move the Town Meeting date from March to May. The proposal, championed by Selectboard member Fernando Guitart, aims to align the town’s legislative session with the state’s financial calendar, though it sparked debate over potential scheduling conflicts for families.
The Full Story
The Selectboard engaged in a robust debate regarding the timing of Duxbury’s Annual Town Meeting. Currently held in March, the meeting often relies on preliminary budget figures. Selectboard member Fernando Guitart argued that moving the meeting to the second Monday in May would improve the accuracy of financial forecasting.
“71% of the towns have their annual town meeting in May... It is better alignment with the Commonwealth’s financial cadence... It improves the quality of the budget. We have an additional three to four months... to improve the budget process.” — Fernando Guitart [02:03:00]
Board member Michael McGee was the sole dissenter, expressing concern that a May date—likely held on weeknights rather than a Saturday—would disenfranchise working parents and families with children in spring sports.
“I have very strong concerns about a May meeting wiping out a big segment of our population that have children in sports... I wouldn’t support a week night whether it was in March or April or May. I think we just lose too many people.” — Michael McGee [02:12:06]
Despite these concerns, the Board voted 3-1 to place the question on the warrant, allowing the legislative body itself to decide the matter. If approved by voters, the change would take effect in 2027.
$2 Million Cemetery Expansion In other major business, the Cemetery Trustees and designers from Halvorson Design Studio unveiled a conceptual plan to expand Mayflower Cemetery. The project would develop approximately eight acres of unused land along Tremont Street to create new burial space, as the current sections are nearing capacity.
Bob Hayes, Chair of the Cemetery Trustees, emphasized that the project is estimated to cost over $2 million but will be funded entirely through cemetery funds, not tax dollars.
“No taxpayer funds are going to be used for the project... it’s all from sale [of lots] funds.” — Bob Hayes [01:16:32]
The design features a mix of traditional burial plots, a cremation garden, and a columbarium, aiming to blend aesthetically with the historic cemetery while meeting modern needs.
Election Modernization Town Clerk Susan Kelley presented recommendations to modernize election procedures. The Board voted unanimously to opt-in to in-person early voting for the upcoming March election. Kelley also proposed reducing polling hours in future elections—potentially closing at 6:00 PM instead of 8:00 PM—citing data that shows a steep drop-off in voter turnout after 5:00 PM. No vote was taken on reducing hours, but the Board agreed to consider it for future warrants.
Why It Matters
Moving Town Meeting to May could fundamentally change who participates in Duxbury’s government. Proponents argue it leads to smarter spending decisions because the town will have certified “free cash” numbers and firmer state aid figures. Opponents worry that shifting from a Saturday to weeknights will make it harder for working families to attend, potentially skewing the demographics of the room toward older residents or those without school-age children.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Conservation Restrictions: Approval of restrictions on five parcels (approx. 15 acres) including the Marietta Russell Sanctuary and Hunt Park.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously (4-0)
Vote: [01:06:51]
In-Person Early Voting: Motion to opt-in for early voting for the March 2026 election.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously (4-0)
Vote: [01:44:53]
Town Meeting Date Change: Motion to draft a warrant article moving Annual Town Meeting to the second Monday in May and the election to the third Saturday in May (effective 2027).
Outcome: Passed 3-1 (McGee opposed)
Vote: [02:30:49]
International City of Peace: Motion to support the Rotary Club’s application for Duxbury to be designated an International City of Peace.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously (4-0)
Vote: [02:52:49]
Public Comment
Christine Hill [51:55] criticized what she described as “forced false consensus” on town boards, urging members to vote their conscience rather than aiming for unanimous 5-0 votes. She later spoke [02:46:51] in opposition to the “International City of Peace” designation, citing concerns about the organization’s background and potential free speech implications.
What’s Next
Powder Point Bridge Meeting: A public information session regarding the bridge replacement project is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Duxbury High School Cafeteria. [02:55:59]
Annual Town Election: Nomination papers are available now; the election is scheduled for March 28, 2026.
Source Video: Duxbury Meetings: Local Seen Streaming Channel