The Kingston Finance Committee moved closer to finalizing the town’s fiscal 2027 financial plan on Tuesday, recommending a $9.5 million employee benefits budget while sounding alarms over the long-term sustainability of municipal health costs. The vote came during a marathon session that also saw the committee sign off on multi-million dollar budgets for the Police Department and the town’s self-sustaining Sewer Enterprise Fund.

Human Resources Director Tina Betty presented the $9,505,061 benefits package, noting that the town has transitioned toward a 60/40 health insurance cost-sharing split and consolidated plans to mitigate rising premiums. A primary driver of the budget is the $4.6 million assessment for the Plymouth County Retirement system. While Selectman Carl Pike noted that pension funding could be caught up in another maybe two years, three years at the most, potentially cutting annual expenses in half, Member Marsha Meekins expressed deep concern regarding the trajectory of medical costs. Health insurance is pushing every town to a fiscal cliff, Meekins warned. And quite frankly, I believe we are on that fiscal cliff. Chair Michael Cowett acknowledged the difficulty of the town’s position, stating that 85 percent of the town's total budget is often tied to contractually obligated items like benefits.

Motion Made by D. Billnitzer to recommend favorable action on the employee benefits budget for FY27 in the amount of 9,505,061. Motion Passed 5-0-0.

The committee also approved a $5,647,738.88 budget for the Police Department following a presentation by Chief Holmes. The Chief highlighted that while calls for service remain high, the department has leveraged grants for jail diversion clinicians and a new School Resource Officer. When Meekins questioned if the department could generate more revenue to offset costs, Holmes cautioned against aggressive traffic enforcement. It's a slippery slope when a police agency is generating revenue, Holmes said, explaining that the majority of citation revenue often goes to the Commonwealth rather than the town. He noted that if a future tax override were considered to address town-wide debt or school needs, the department would ideally seek funding for three additional patrol officers and two civilians.

Motion Made by D. Billnitzer to recommend favorable approval of the police FY27 budget in the amount of 5,647,738.88. Motion Passed 5-0-0.

In a bright spot for town finances, Wastewater Superintendent David Wallace reported that the Sewer Enterprise Fund has significantly increased its revenue by processing septage from other communities. In 2025, we actually doubled [septage revenue] to 622,000, Wallace told the committee, explaining that this income helps keep costs down for the 1,650 local users who fund the plant's operations. Meekins praised the facility as a miracle of technology for its environmental benefits to the bay. Member Vicki joined the committee in supporting the $4,016,546.52 sewer budget, which remains partially supported by a one-third tax levy contribution for debt service as per a long-standing town agreement.

Motion Made by D. Billnitzer to recommend favorable action on the sewer enterprise FY27 budget in the amount of 4,016,546.52. Motion Passed 5-0-0.

The committee also reviewed the Harbor Master’s $118,550 budget. While Meekins suggested exploring fee increases for the department, staff and residents pushed back, citing Kingston’s unique geography. Police Administrative Assistant Laura explained that unlike deep-water ports, Kingston’s waterfront is tide-dependent. We really only have six hours of boating where Plymouth might charge $13 a foot for their boat, but they have 24-hour access. We do not, she said. Resident Elaine Fiori added that parking at the waterfront is already restricted, noting you need a Kingston sticker only to park there due to limited space.

Motion Made by D. Billnitzer to recommend favorable approval of the Harbor Master FY27 budget in the amount of $118,550. Motion Passed 5-0-0.

In other business, the committee recommended a $124,513.32 budget for Animal Control, with Vice Chair David Fuller, attending remotely, suggesting that the department utilize the town’s internal maintenance staff for vehicle repairs to save costs. We're working with Streets, Trees, and Parks to do the oil change, Chief Holmes confirmed. The committee deferred a vote on property and liability insurance until April 9 after Finance Director Kathleen noted that rising vehicle costs—including police cruisers now priced at $90,000—and the expansion of the wastewater plant have driven up premiums.

Motion Made by D. Billnitzer to recommend favorable approval of the animal control FY27 budget in the amount of 124,513.32. Motion Passed 5-0-0.

Chair Cowett closed the meeting by reminding residents that the Finance Committee currently has two vacancies and encouraged volunteers to step forward to help navigate the town's ongoing fiscal challenges.