Pembroke Select Board Places 34 Articles on Town Meeting Warrant, Reviews Rising Costs in FY26 Budget
Healthcare costs projected to increase 20% annually over next five years, while retirement contributions set to climb until 2031 peak
PEMBROKE - February 19 - The Pembroke Select Board votes to place 34 articles on the Annual Town Meeting warrant, including measures on recreational marijuana sales and accessory dwelling units, while reviewing a FY26 budget marked by significant cost increases in several key areas.
Town Manager Bill Chenard presents a sobering outlook on healthcare costs, reporting that advisors project increases of 20% annually over the next four to five years. For Pembroke's roughly $10 million healthcare budget, this could mean increases of over $2 million per year.
"That is a scary number," Chenard says, though noting the town's participation in the Mayflower Municipal Health Group helps buffer some increases. The group plans to use cash reserves to offset rates, likely keeping FY26 increases between 7-10%.
"I'll give the county treasurer the accolades, because he deserves it on this, of making sure that the fund is in very good financial shape," Chenard added.
The proposed FY26 healthcare budget stands at $10.16 million, based on January enrollment numbers.
Property and liability insurance costs are also climbing due to reduced market competition. "It's not our risk assessment because we've had very little claims overall in comparison. It's just the industry. It's become less competitive. There's less insurers, less underwriters," Chenard explains.
Plymouth County Retirement System contributions continue their upward trajectory, projected to increase from $5.9 million to $8.5 million over the next six years before dropping substantially to $3.46 million in 2031.
The board approves placing several significant articles on the warrant, including measures to allow recreational marijuana sales in the town's existing medical marijuana overlay district. This marks the fourth time voters will consider recreational marijuana, having rejected it three times previously.
"Town of Pembroke has voted three times to deny recreational marijuana. Three times. Two times town meeting, one times at the ballot box," notes Select Board member Dan Trabucco.
The marijuana articles would amend zoning bylaws, change general bylaws, and accept state laws to impose an excise tax on retail sales. Unlike previous votes, this will only require town meeting approval, not a subsequent ballot question.
The warrant also includes articles addressing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to align with new state requirements, though some concerns emerge about potential conflicts between different proposed bylaws regarding short-term rentals of these units.
Other notable warrant articles include:
- Authorization for alcohol service at community center functions
- Elimination of black plastic in restaurant carryout packaging due to food safety concerns
- Extension of the current police chief's retirement age
- Acceptance of several roadways
- Three citizen petition articles
The snow and ice removal budget already shows a $55,000 deficit this year, which will need to be addressed at fall town meeting. Chenard indicates the final deficit will likely be higher once all winter expenses are tallied.
"We will have a fall town meeting this year… I'm telling everybody, don't plan on not having a fall town meeting.," Chenard states, noting it provides an opportunity to address any budget shortfalls.
Regarding calls for a Proposition 2½ override through a citizen's petition, Chenard expresses opposition to the current timing.
"A proposition two and a half operating override must be completely planned. You can't go at the last minute and ask the residents to do that," he says. "We need to cite our needs. We need to cite where we can cut."
The Annual Town Meeting is scheduled for May 13 at 7 p.m. The warrant must be signed for posting by April 23.