Town Manager Bill Chenard delivered a sobering financial update to the Select Board on Wednesday, revealing that Pembroke’s snow and ice deficit has ballooned to nearly $1.1 million. Under state law, snow and ice is the only municipal budget allowed to legally deficit spend, and Chenard noted the town will present a formal plan to the Advisory Committee on April 13 to cover the shortfall. Snow and ice in the Commonwealth is the only budget you can legally deficit spend, Chenard explained. We are working out a plan and we'll be presenting that plan... on how we're going to cover that cost.

The fiscal strain comes as the board launched its Fiscal Year 2027 budget cycle, scrutinizing department requests line-by-line. Tension emerged during the police department presentation regarding a $200,000 entry labeled Other Pay. Chair Tracy Marino and Member Daniel Trabucco expressed significant concern over the lack of detail for the six-figure sum. We should know what that is. That's $200,000, Marino said, requesting a full breakdown before the next meeting. The Deputy Police Chief and Chenard agreed to provide the specifics, though the police contract remains the only municipal agreement not yet settled.

The board also introduced the town’s new Accountant, Tiffany Casulu, during the review of the accounting budget. Member Sean Keegan questioned the inclusion of longevity pay within various department lines, asking, Can you just tell me what longevity is? Chenard clarified it as a tiered incentive for long-term employees. In other departmental shifts, Chief Assessor Jean Gelotti explained that camera system costs are being consolidated under computer maintenance. I wanted everything computer related to come out of the same line item, Gelotti said. I wanted to add the camera system costs into computer maintenance so that everything computer related all came out of the same line item.

Infrastructure complications are also impacting the town’s $61.1 million public safety headquarters project. Chenard reported that a crushed drainage pipe involving MassDOT at the intersection of Barker Street and Route 53 is causing significant water issues. This failure has halted the scheduled relocation of the historic Turner House. We need to put that pipe in and get the water out of there, Chenard told the board. That will delay the move of the Turner House because we don't want to put footings in until we improve that drainage. Meanwhile, water main work is progressing on West Elm and Dwelli Streets, with crews active on weekdays until 5:00 PM.

A debate over local control versus rigid regulation broke out during liaison updates regarding a proposed outdoor entertainment policy. Clerk Richard Flynn reported that the Bylaw Review Committee has recommended against a formal bylaw for noise and live music, arguing that one size does not fit all on this. Flynn suggested the board use its existing licensing authority to address complaints. This board gives those licenses and if there's complaints we should address them and we have the power to revoke those licenses or amend them, Flynn said. Keegan sharply disagreed, arguing that business owners need a clear standard to follow. I disagree because we need to tell them what they should be adhering to, Keegan said. There was no baseline to say, 'You're breaking the rules.'

Vice Chair John Brown offered a middle ground, suggesting the board adopt a formal policy rather than a bylaw to maintain flexibility. A bylaw makes the decision a binary one. We are elected because we're not machines, we're not robots. We can make informed decisions, Brown said. He advocated for a policy that requires board members to perform site visits—similar to Planning Board protocols—before issuing permits, ensuring specific parameters are set for each unique location.

The board also took steps to finalize the Town Manager’s future, as Vice Chair Brown introduced a motion for a special session to address contract negotiations. Motion Made by J. Brown to schedule a special meeting for Wednesday, April 8th at 7 p.m. to enter into executive session to discuss the town manager's contract, with a possible vote in executive session and a possible vote in public session. Motion Passed 5-0.

Community events and the upcoming May 16 municipal election were also a focus. Fraser Townley of the Pembroke Chamber of Commerce secured approval for a one-day liquor license for the Taste of Pembroke event on June 6. Townley noted that the event has seen such high interest that they are now opening it to vendors from outside the town. It's a pretty strong response. In fact, we actually had to make a decision this week to accept vendors from out of town, Townley said. Motion Made by S. Keegan to approve the request of Fraser Townley on behalf of Pembroke Chamber of Commerce for a 1-day liquor license to serve beer and wine from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6th, 2026 at 128 Center Street. Motion Passed 5-0.

Regarding the May election, the board approved an extensive early voting schedule that will run from May 1 through May 13 at Town Hall. Motion Made by D. Trabucco to accept the in-person voting schedule for the May 16th, 2026 municipal election as recommended by the Board of Registrars. Motion Passed 5-0. Trabucco also reminded residents of the Karen Boy Foundation event taking place at Tiny and Sons on Route 53 to support local children. Great event. We want to pack the place and make sure that the coffers for the foundation help kids in Pembroke, Trabucco said.

Town Meeting preparations continue, though Chenard noted no new articles were ready for recommendation this week. Residents were reminded of the South Shore Vocational Technical High School presentation on April 7 at the North Pembroke Elementary School Library, which will detail the projected $423 annual tax impact for joining the district. Chair Marino also announced that the annual Keep Pembroke Beautiful cleanup day is set for Saturday, April 25.