Kingston Select Board Discusses Silver Lake “Debt-to-Capital” Shift to Avoid Future Tax Hikes
KINGSTON - January 13, 2026 - Kingston taxpayers may avoid a future Proposition 2 ½ debt exclusion override if a new financial strategy from the Silver Lake Regional School District is approved, Selectman Carl Pike revealed Tuesday night.
The Full Story
In a detailed report to the Board, Selectman Carl Pike outlined a proposal from the Silver Lake Regional School Committee to tackle the district’s aging infrastructure without spiking tax rates.
With the mortgage on the high school set to be paid off, the district’s debt service is dropping. For Fiscal Year 2027, Kingston’s share of that debt payment will decrease by approximately $400,000. Under normal circumstances, this would simply lower the town’s debt assessment. However, the School Committee voted unanimously to propose keeping the assessment flat and diverting that “freed up” $400,000 into a dedicated capital reserve fund.
“The selling point... is that that $400,000 will not cost Kingston a nickel because it will be in effect being changed from debt financing to capital projects,” Pike explained.
The goal is to build a recurring annual fund of roughly $1.3 million across the three member towns (Kingston, Halifax, Plympton) to pay for maintenance projects—like roof repairs and HVAC updates—on a “pay-as-you-go” basis. Pike warned that failing to fund maintenance now could lead to a catastrophe later, citing an internal assessment that identified $60 million in immediate building needs.
“If it was to be done tomorrow [it] would be $73 million... We’re not even talking about the interest that would double that to $120 million... Kingston would end up with two and a half million of it [annually].” — Selectman Carl Pike [01:06:56]
Pike urged the Board to support the plan, noting that if the towns reject this “debt-to-capital” shift, they will likely face a massive debt exclusion vote in the near future anyway when systems fail. He also emphasized the need for strict budget discipline, calling for the school district to deliver an operating budget increase of no more than 2.5% to 3% to make the math work for taxpayers.
School Committee member Jason Fraser of Plympton, a key architect of the plan, is scheduled to present the full proposal to the Kingston Selectmen and Finance Committee in February.
Why It Matters
For the average homeowner, this strategy is about “leveling” the tax impact. Instead of seeing a small dip in taxes now followed by a large spike later to pay for a new roof or boiler, the tax rate associated with the school debt would remain stable, but the money would go into a savings account for repairs. If successful, it prevents the need for a voter-approved tax hike (override) to fix the schools.
New Town Administrator Takes the Helm
Scott Lambiase attended his first meeting as Kingston’s Town Administrator, having started just days prior. He reported that work on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget has begun, with a directive for department heads to start with a “level service” budget.
“I have taken the liberty of suggesting that we start looking at a level service budget... and then we’ll take it from there.” — Scott Lambiase, Town Administrator [57:10]
Lambiase also noted he is prioritizing filling the Building Commissioner vacancy and securing an office trailer for the town’s new police clinician.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Intermunicipal Agreement for Clinician Services
Motion: To accept the agreement between Kingston, Halifax, and Plympton for shared clinician services.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously (4-0)
Vote: [46:59]
Consultation Agreement for Clinician Oversight
Motion: To accept an agreement with Katelyn Leary, (LICSW) for clinical oversight, fully funded by a DMH grant.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously (4-0)
Vote: [50:27]
Appointment of Police Officer
Motion: Authorize the Chief of Police to appoint one additional police patrol officer (filling a retirement vacancy).
Outcome: Passed (3-0-1, Bateman abstained)
Vote: [51:21]
Commission on Disability Appointment
Motion: Appoint William Cushman to the Commission on Disability through June 30, 2029.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously (4-0)
Vote: [54:50]
Public Comment
Memorial Bench for Matthew Hamilton: Resident Paul Gallagher requested permission to place a memorial bench at Grays Beach in honor of Mathew Hamilton, a beloved community member who passed away from ALS. The bench was built by Silver Lake carpentry students. The Board expressed strong support but noted a policy technicality regarding the definition of “property” requires a vote at the next meeting.
“He had a tough struggle and his family, friends, and community came out with love... Matt was an all-around nice guy and everyone’s friend.” — Paul Gallagher [32:25]
What’s Next
Jan 27, 2026: Next regular Selectmen meeting.
Feb 2026: Expected joint meeting with Finance Committee to review the Silver Lake capital proposal.
Source Video: Kingston Meetings: Local Seen Streaming Channel Kingston Board of Selectmen: 1/13/26