Manchester-By-The-Sea Select Board Meeting | June 1, 2026

The Manchester-By-The-Sea Select Board meeting on June 1, 2026, covered a broad range of municipal topics with a significant focus on procurement and budget-related issues. Key procurement discussions included proposed increases to building permit fees from $6 to $10 per thousand dollars of project cost, and corresponding electrical permit fee adjustments, aimed at funding an additional assistant inspectional services position. The Board also reviewed proposed fee increases for trash bags to offset rising sanitation contract costs, projecting an additional $86,000 in revenue. The meeting addressed the complexity of consolidating multiple departmental fee schedules into a master schedule, with plans to finalize fee changes by July 1, 2026, pending public process and Select Board approval. Additionally, the Board discussed the Harbor Management Plan update, emphasizing the need for actionable recommendations and potential studies on harbor capacity and environmental health to guide future investments. Policy discussions included drought condition responses, flag display protocols, and procedures for Zoom meeting disruptions, with an emphasis on ensuring compliance and operational continuity. The Board also deliberated on advocacy strategies to influence state and federal regulations impacting municipal costs and operations, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts with other towns and legislative bodies. No formal votes on procurement contracts were recorded, but several action items were set for future meetings, including fee schedule finalization and capital planning.