PLYMOUTH - January 13, 2026 - In a marathon five-hour session characterized by sharp exchanges and a stark divide on fiscal strategy, the Plymouth Select Board voted 3-2 to reject a proposed 1% cut to the School Department budget, opting instead to fund the district’s full request. The Board subsequently reversed the majority of proposed cuts to town departments, ultimately trimming just over $28,000 from the operating budget despite earlier warnings of a looming “fiscal cliff.”
The Full Story
The joint meeting brought together the Select Board, School Committee, and Advisory & Finance Committee to address a growing financial squeeze. With the town’s excess levy capacity—a key buffer for tax stability—projected to drop to just $300,000, the Select Board had previously directed Town Manager Derek Brindisi and requested the School Department to present options for a 1% budget reduction.
Schools Draw the Line Superintendent Dr. Christopher Campbell presented a “hypothetical” reduction scenario of $1.5 million, warning it would require cutting approximately 23 teachers or 12 administrators.
“This would be programmatic cuts... direct classroom impact is unavoidable,” Campbell said, emphasizing that 78% of the district’s budget is personnel.
School Committee members forcefully rejected the exercise. Member Ashley Shaw delivered a scathing rebuke of the request, arguing the town’s fiscal challenges have been forecasted for years.
“This dog and pony show that you’re putting on right now for our taxpayers is absolutely ridiculous... This is not an emergency. This is something that we have known about for a decade.” — Ashley Shaw, School Committee Member (Link to quote)
Select Board Chair David Golden and Vice-Chair Richard Quintal argued that tax relief was necessary now. “I’m hearing you, that your tax bills are increasing at a rate that you can’t afford,” Golden said, defending the request for cuts.
However, Select Board member Deborah Iaquinto moved to approve the school’s budget as originally presented, without the $1.5 million cut. The motion passed 3-2, with Iaquinto, Bill Keohan, and Kevin Canty in favor, and Golden and Quintal opposed.
Town Departments Spared Following the school vote, the Board undertook a department-by-department review of the Town Manager’s proposed 1% cuts. In a series of split votes, the majority of the Board opted to restore funding to nearly every department, rejecting cuts to the Town Clerk, Police, Fire, DPW, and Inspectional Services.
Town Manager Derek Brindisi warned the Board about the “financial trends” facing the town, specifically citing a 14% increase in health insurance costs and a decline in new growth revenue from developments like Pinehills and Redbrook.
What I'm saying here is that we're giving everyone the yellow light is flashing. Move with caution because new growth is trending downward. Excess capacity is trending downward. Healthcare costs are rising. Other fixed costs like energy in New England are rising. And so we're at a crossroads where costs are rising and revenue is decreasing.” — Derek Brindisi, Town Manager (Link to quote)
Despite the warnings, the Board restored funding for:
Public Safety: Rejected cuts to Police and Fire staffing/equipment, though they voted to use Free Cash ($142,000) to purchase two new police cruisers rather than raising it through taxes.
DPW: Rejected cutting a trainer position and fleet mechanic, with DPW Director Bill Coyle noting they are already struggling with vacancies.
Harbormaster: Rejected cutting overtime that would have impacted 4th of July coverage.
The only approved reductions were minor cuts to the Town Manager’s office ($10,000), Human Resources ($2,550), and a technical salary adjustment in Planning ($15,497).
Why It Matters
The meeting highlights a fundamental disagreement on how to handle Plymouth’s tightening finances. By rejecting the cuts, the majority of the Board prioritized maintaining current service levels over building up financial reserves. The result is a budget that leaves a thin margin of excess levy capacity (estimated at $470,000) heading into Fiscal Year 2027. Proponents of the cuts argue this kicks the can down the road, making a potential future tax override more likely, while opponents argue that cutting services now would be a “knee-jerk reaction” that harms residents without solving the long-term structural deficit.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
School Budget Approval
Motion: To approve the School Committee budget as originally proposed (no cuts).
Outcome: Passed 3-2
Vote: Yes: Iaquinto, Keohan, Canty. No: Golden, Quintal. (Link to Vote)
Police Cruisers Funding Source
Motion: To approve the Police budget but fund two cruisers ($142,010) using Free Cash instead of the tax levy.
Outcome: Passed 4-1
Vote: Yes: Keohan, Canty, Iaquinto, Golden. No: Quintal.
Town Manager Budget Cut
Motion: To accept $10,000 in cuts to the Town Manager’s budget (Title Research/Appraisal lines).
Outcome: Passed 3-2
Vote: Yes: Iaquinto, Canty, Keohan. No: Quintal, Golden.
Himalaya Restaurant License
Motion: To approve a new annual all-alcohol restaurant license for The Himalaya at 4 Court Street.
Outcome: Passed 4-0-1 (Quintal Abstained)
Public Comment
Tom Pinto (Education Association of Plymouth Carver): Criticized the town for attempting to “balance the books on the backs of employees” regarding health insurance changes.
Michelle Christensen: Raised concerns about the equity of the proposed road acceptance policy, noting it places 100% of costs on property owners.
Katherine Harrelson: Spoke on the FY27 budget and development, urging the town to stop promoting sprawl and protect green space.
What’s Next
The budget now moves to the Advisory & Finance Committee for detailed review and recommendations.
The approved budget articles will be presented at the upcoming Spring Town Meeting.
The Himalaya restaurant aims to open by mid-February.
Source Video: Plymouth Select Board: 1/13/26