Pembroke residents will decide the future of the town’s vocational education at the ballot box this May, as the Select Board formally approved two funding questions with a combined projected tax impact of $423 for the average single-family home. During the Wednesday night meeting, Town Manager Bill Chenard presented updated cost projections for joining the South Shore Vocational Technical School district, revealing that the estimated annual tax impact has dropped significantly from previous figures. The proposal requires two distinct approvals: a $2 million operating override to cover student expenses and a debt exclusion to fund the town’s share of capital upgrades and facility improvements. Chenard noted that the operating portion accounts for approximately $281 of the tax impact, while the debt exclusion adds $143. The impact to that average single-family property... has actually gone down significantly from our previous presentations, Chenard told the board. Motion Made by D. Trabucco to place the operating override question on the ballot for the upcoming election. Motion Passed (5-0). Motion Made by D. Trabucco to place the debt exclusion question on the ballot for the upcoming election. Motion Passed (5-0). Member Sean Keegan raised concerns about the timeline for public outreach, noting that 1,800 early voting ballots will be available starting May 1. People are going to vote early before town meeting and they might not be as informed, S. Keegan said, prompting a reminder that a major community presentation is scheduled for April 7 at North Pembroke Elementary.

The town is also grappling with a record-shattering $1.1 million snow and ice deficit following recent winter storms, the largest such gap in more than a decade. Chenard informed the board that the town is legally required to close this deficit before setting the tax rate in the fall. To mitigate the impact, the Town Manager has issued a directive to all departments to freeze non-essential spending. I asked department heads to restrict spending as much as they possibly can so that if possible we could use some year-end transfers to help to cover this, Chenard explained. The financial pressure comes as the board reviews the FY27 budget, which includes a 10% increase in healthcare costs for a pool of approximately 600 to 800 active employees and retirees. Resident Judy George questioned the scope of the healthcare budget, asking How many people is this a budget for? to which Chenard clarified it covers both town and school personnel. In a bright spot for the budget, Chenard announced the town will save $54,666 by making a single pension assessment payment to Plymouth County on July 1 rather than installments. By paying on July 1st... it's a net savings, he said.

Internal operations are seeing a shift as the town moves toward a full-time accounting model. Chenard announced that a new full-time Town Accountant has been hired and will begin work at the end of March. The decision to maintain the role as a full-time position followed questions from the board regarding the department's structure. Member Daniel Trabucco asked for clarification on the long-term plan, to which Chenard responded that a town with an $80 million budget requires a dedicated full-time professional. Bill, can you talk to the board and the public about the plans for the town account if it's going to remain a part-time job with an assistant or if it's going to become a full-time job? D. Trabucco asked. Chenard confirmed the town is still evaluating whether the assistant role will remain part-time. On the IT front, D. Trabucco also questioned high maintenance costs in the technology budget. The maintenance that's pretty high... Why is that so high? he asked, with Chenard explaining the costs cover the town’s outside IT consultants, as Pembroke currently lacks an internal IT department.

The town’s public safety infrastructure projects remain on track, though a lingering drainage issue with MassDOT has forced a $60,000 course correction. Chenard reported that the new fire and police stations are currently under budget and on time, but an abandoned state catch basin on Route 14 has been flooding the construction site. The town plans to reroute the water to Pudding Brook. We need to move on with the project and we'll debate that [who pays] after we get the water moving, Chenard said. The South Pembroke substation is expected to open this fall, followed by the main station approximately 18 months later. In further infrastructure news, Chair Tracy Marino addressed resident concerns regarding recurring power outages on Furnace Road. Residents reported that dead trees on land controlled by the Rockland-Abington water pumping station have repeatedly downed lines during the last three storms. Last three storms, our road has lost power because of the dead and rotted trees falling from the land controlled by that pumping station, T. Marino noted, relaying the community's frustration. Chenard committed to investigating the jurisdiction and safety of the site.

Efforts to expand affordable housing in Pembroke reached a new milestone as the board moved to populate the newly established Affordable Housing Trust. Judy Parks, Chair of the Affordable Housing Committee, explained that the trust will serve as a vehicle for the town to collect donations and funds specifically for housing initiatives. The board is now seeking an at-large member, preferably with real estate experience, to join the five-member Board of Trustees. Several years ago we worked with town council and with Bill and we established the framework for the affordable housing trust... most towns have these now and it's really a good vehicle for raising money, Parks said. Motion Made by D. Trabucco to declare a vacancy in the affordable housing committee trust fund. Motion Passed (5-0). Vice Chair John Brown seconded the motion, and the board hopes to make the final appointment by mid-April.

Community support for local veterans and youth sports was evident as the board accepted a $7,000 donation from the Pembroke Foundation. Christopher Perry, Chair of the Foundation, presented the funds which were raised during a recent Sip and Support event. These funds are to be used strictly or earmarked directly for Veterans Memorial Park, Perry said. Motion Made by R. Flynn to accept the $7,000 from the Pembroke Foundation earmarked for the Veterans Memorial Park. Motion Passed (5-0). Clerk Richard Flynn, who also serves as the board's liaison to the Historical Commission, accepted the donation on behalf of the town. Perry also secured a one-day liquor license for a Classic Cartoon Bingo fundraiser on April 9 to benefit Pembroke Youth Baseball and Softball. Perry explained the proceeds will help replace a light tower at the ball fields that was toppled during a recent blizzard. This last blizzard has knocked down one of their light towers... we're looking for a one-day liquor license, Perry said. Motion Made by D. Trabucco to approve the request of Chris Perry on behalf of the Pembroke Foundation for a one-day liquor license for April 9th, 2026. Motion Passed (5-0).

In other business, the board voted to support a housekeeping amendment to the town's kennel bylaw to ensure it remains in compliance with state statutes. This follows the town's recent adoption of Ali’s Law which increased local oversight of such facilities. Motion Made by S. Keegan for a favorable recommendation for Warrant Article 14. Motion Passed (5-0). The board also accepted the resignation of Allison Glennon from the Historical District Commission. Perry noted that she would be sorely missed on the commission. Motion Made by S. Keegan to accept the resignation of Allison Glennon from the historic district commission effective immediately. Motion Passed (5-0). Chair Tracy Marino concluded the public portion of the meeting by reminding residents of the upcoming annual cleanup day on April 25. There are four of us that have been running this event for a few years and we are looking for an additional organizer, T. Marino said. The board then moved into executive session to discuss non-union contract negotiations for the Town Manager and Assistant Town Manager. Motion Made by R. Flynn to enter executive session and not return to open session. Motion Passed (5-0) via roll call (Brown-Yes, Trabucco-Yes, Flynn-Yes, Keegan-Yes, Marino-Yes).