PLYMPTON - February 7, 9, and 11 - The Plympton Town Properties Committee has officially entered “Phase 1” of a renewed effort to address the town’s aging fire station, emphasizing a “data-first” approach that prioritizes Emergency Medical Services (EMS) over traditional fire response. However, the committee’s first week of public sessions was marked by sharp questions from residents regarding the dismissal of $1 million in previous studies and a formal acknowledgment of an Open Meeting Law violation stemming from an improperly held executive session in January.
The Full Story
Following the resignation of the previous committee members in late 2025, the newly appointed Town Properties Committee (TPC) held three meetings this week to establish a baseline of facts for the community. Chair Pierre Boyer characterized the current phase as a “listening and education session,” presenting data that shows Plympton’s emergency services are overwhelmingly medical in nature.
Data presented by the committee indicates that total emergency responses rose from 750 in 2021 to 808 in 2024. Of those, roughly 67% to 69% are EMS-related, while actual fire incidents average only 11 to 14 per year. The committee also highlighted a significant spike in mutual aid, with Plympton providing assistance to surrounding towns in approximately 22.5% of its total calls in 2024.
The committee’s strategy involves determining a new “operational model” before deciding on the size or location of a building. Chair Boyer suggested that focusing on an EMS-driven service might allow for a smaller, more cost-effective station. This approach, however, met with resistance from some residents and members of the Fire Department. During the February 9 meeting, attendees questioned Boyer’s expertise in determining “operational needs” without a formal feasibility study or direct consultation with outside experts.
“We want to make sure we have the facts right... so when we do come up with that final solution and it goes to town meeting for a vote, it passes. That is the ultimate goal.” [00:40:07] — Pierre Boyer, TPC Chair
Residents also expressed frustration over the perceived abandonment of previous plans. One resident noted that the town had already authorized nearly $1 million for studies and design, asking why the committee was “spinning its wheels” instead of modifying existing work. Boyer maintained that the committee is open to previous plans but insists on verifying the data themselves to ensure transparency and taxpayer support.
The week concluded with a legal corrective action. On February 11, Town Counsel Matthew Skydel advised the committee that their January 5 executive session violated the Open Meeting Law because the “purpose” cited—dispute resolution—did not meet the narrow legal requirements for private sessions. To remedy this, the committee voted to release the minutes of that session and recreate the discussion in public.
Why It Matters
For Plympton residents, this project represents one of the largest potential tax impacts in recent history. The committee is exploring tax mitigation strategies, including the use of the ambulance fund (which generates revenue through patient billing) to offset costs. However, with $50 million in projected school repairs on the horizon and limited debt rolling off, any fire station proposal will likely require a Proposition 2 ½ debt exclusion or override.
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Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes (February 11, 2026)
Motion: To release the minutes from the January 5, 2026, executive session to the public to remedy an Open Meeting Law complaint.
Vote: Unanimous (00:03:40)
Motion: To vacate the motion made in the January 5 executive session regarding a request for a joint meeting between the Town Administrator, Select Board, and TPC.
Vote: Unanimous (00:04:02)
Motion: To authorize Town Counsel to respond to the January 7 Open Meeting Law complaint on behalf of the committee.
Vote: Unanimous (00:04:50)
Public Comment & Core Testimony
Previous Plans: Residents urged the committee to utilize the data from the 2012 Rind Study and the most recent failed proposal to avoid wasting past investments.
Population Growth: Attendees challenged state data suggesting a population decrease, citing pending 40B developments that could add 60+ families.
Committee Goal: Chair Pierre Boyer emphasized that the current “Phase 1” is about ensuring the final solution is based on facts to ensure it passes at Town Meeting.
What’s Next
The committee will move into Phase 2, which includes investigating potential alternative locations, such as land at Center and Palmer Streets or Maple Street, and developing preliminary design options. No specific timeline has been set, but the committee confirmed the project will not be ready for a vote at the May 2026 Town Meeting.
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