The Norwell Select Board solidified several key labor agreements during its December 22 meeting, moves that will help define the town’s financial obligations as officials look toward the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The board moved to ratify Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for both the Norwell Police Union and the SEIU Local 888 clerical unit, while also setting a 2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for employees covered under the town's personnel bylaw for the next two fiscal years.

These labor costs are a critical piece of the town’s ongoing strategy to maintain a level services budget without requiring a local tax override. With health insurance costs rising and structural deficits looming in the long term, locking in these 2% increases provides a predictable baseline for municipal spending. A staff member explained that the board needed to formalize terms discussed during an earlier executive session, asking the board to approve a 2% increase for FY26 and 27 for the personnel bylaw.

The board moved quickly through the formal ratifications. Motion Made by A. Reardon to ratify the MOU with the Norwell Police Union. Motion Passed (4-0). Following the police agreement, the board turned its attention to the clerical staff. Motion Made by P. Smellie to ratify the MOU for the SEIU. Motion Passed (4-0). Member John McGrath then initiated the vote to ensure non-union employees under the personnel bylaw received consistent adjustments, asking what was the third one? before reading the motion. Motion Made by J. McGrath to permit the 2% increase for the personnel bylaw for FY26 and FY27. Motion Passed (4-0).

While the major bargaining units are now settled, some administrative work remains for individual employees. Member Andrew Reardon asked, Are all contracts done? A staff member clarified that while the bargaining units are finished, a few individual one-off contracts are still being processed. I've been reaching out for a while now to those folks, the staff member noted, adding that the remaining individuals seem satisfied with the proposed terms. I'm hoping they will come back as well... They're all aware and I think they're all fine. They seemed good in my last conversations.

The conclusion of these negotiations follows the board's recent focus on cost mitigation, including a high-profile shift to a new health insurance pool intended to save the town $800,000. Member Lorenda Layne joined the board in the unanimous votes, which provide the town's financial teams with the concrete data needed to finalize the town warrant before it closes in February. Member John McGrath noted the progress, though officials continue to monitor a projected structural deficit forecast for the next decade.