Select Board — June 2, 2026
Plymouth Select Board approves 9% water rate hike and defers critical Landers Farm conservation decision despite resident outcry.
The meeting featured spirited public testimony regarding land conservation and several split votes among board members concerning various fee increases.
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The June 2 Select Board meeting featured several high-stakes decisions that directly affect the pockets and the environment of Plymouth residents.
First, the Board approved significant utility rate hikes: a 9% increase in water volumetric and fixed rates, and a 5% increase in sewer rates. This comes at a time when many residents are already struggling with the cumulative cost of taxes and utilities. While the DPW presented these as necessary for capital projects, the discussion highlighted a growing concern regarding the financial burden on the community.
Second, the issue of Landers Farm conservation remains unresolved. Despite heavy public testimony from residents urging the town to exercise its right of first refusal to protect the ecological value and water quality of the Landers Farm Road parcels, the Board deferred any decision. Residents also raised serious questions regarding transparency and potential conflicts of interest that the Board has yet to fully address.
Finally, the Board's internal divisions were on display. Multiple 4-1 votes—including decisions on Town Clerk fee increases and courtroom rental structures—show a board that is frequently split on how to balance town revenue against the burden on local businesses and grieving residents.
Public impact
9% increase in water volumetric/fixed rates and 5% increase in sewer volumetric/fixed rates.
The board approved the recommended rate increases.
Estimated $60,000 in new revenue for the general fund.
The board approved the fee increases as presented.
Tiered fees of $100, $250, and $1,000 per reinspection.
The motion to approve the tiered fee structure was approved.
Topics discussed
The board held three public hearings regarding the transfer of all-alcohol restaurant licenses to Gourmet Caterers, Inc. (dba Plimoth Patuxet Museums) for different campus buildings.
All three license transfer applications were approved by the board.
The board reviewed several administrative notes, including appointments for the Department of Weights and Measures and the Board of Registrars.
Administrative items 1-8 were approved; the reappointment for the Board of Registrars was postponed.
The Board will contact the appropriate parties to place the Board of Registrars appointment on a future agenda for interviews.
Multiple residents and representatives provided testimony regarding the potential acquisition or development of the Chapter 61A parcels on Landers Farm Road.
The Board clarified that no vote was taken during the executive session and the matter would be continued.
The Board will continue the discussion regarding the Landers Farm property at the next Tuesday meeting.
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The DPW presented proposed rate increases for water and sewer services to fund future capital projects and operation costs; the board also reviewed solid waste and recycling revenues.
The board approved the recommended water and sewer rate increases; no formal decision was made regarding solid waste fee changes.
The Director of Public Health proposed implementing a tiered fee structure for food establishments that require reinspections due to critical violations.
The motion to approve the reinspection fees was approved.
The Planning and Development department proposed new application fees for Historic District Commission services, such as Certificates of Appropriateness and demolition delays.
The board approved a flat $100 fee for demolition delays but rejected the proposed Certificate of Appropriateness fee.
The Certificate of Appropriateness fee will be revisited when a warrant article for a revolving fund is presented.
A tiered rental fee structure was proposed for the 1820 courtroom and the town green to support maintenance and security costs, with specific focus on nonprofit users.
The board approved the fee structure for Tiers 3 and 4, with an amendment to exempt weddings with 19 or fewer attendees from additional fees.
Proposal to increase various fees collected by the Town Clerk to generate revenue for the general fund.
The board approved the fee increases as presented.
Review of how the Select Board manages the appointment of members to 46 different boards and committees.
The board approved establishing an additional meeting (ideally one Thursday per month) to handle appointments and other non-substantive or time-sensitive administrative matters.
The board will observe the new appointment process for a few months and then revisit the decision.
The Town Manager recognized the CAL for its volunteer efforts and announced an upcoming literacy program graduation.
The board acknowledged the recognition of the CAL director and volunteers.
Literacy program graduation on June 22nd from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library.
Updates were provided on waterfront improvements, sewer maintenance, equipment grants, and related projects.
The Town Manager agreed to coordinate with the DPW to potentially delay Le Baron Alley work to avoid disturbing the Center for the Arts event. The Town is actively working with a grant writer to secure local funding for Shallow Pond Estates roads.
DPW to provide updates on Spooner Alley and Le Baron Alley project starts; Town Meeting to address the grader subsidy.
The Town is seeking grant funding to assist residents of Shallow Pond Estates with road and sidewalk improvements.
The Town is actively working with a grant writer to secure local funding for these residents.
Progress was reported on the development of a new code of civil conduct.
Progress is being made, and a proposal should be ready for the board soon.
Presentation of the code to the board within the next month.
Updates were provided regarding the upcoming 250th Plymouth commencement ceremony.
A draft version of the event sequence will be shared with the board.
Draft version of the sequence of events to be provided to the board within a week.
The board discussed the timing for receiving updated five-year financial forecasts and the commencement of new monthly reporting procedures.
The detailed forecast presentation was moved to the June 30th meeting to allow the Finance Director more time.
Finance Director to present the year-in-review and updated forecast on June 30th; monthly reports to begin in August.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Landers Farm Conservation
Historic District Commission Fees
Board and Committee Appointment Process
Split votes
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Accountability flags
Transcript vs. official minutes
From the meeting
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grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-06-14.
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