Fire Chief Duffy King delivered a gripping report to the Select Board on Tuesday, describing the unprecedented emergency response that successfully evacuated 102 residents from the Webster Park nursing facility during a third-floor fire last Saturday. The incident, which occurred amidst the town's holiday stroll, required mutual aid from 36 surrounding communities to clear the building in under three hours. Chief King praised the quick thinking of staff and first responders, noting that nursing home employees were seen carrying patients over their shoulders to safety.

The gravity of the situation was underscored by Select Board Member Tiffanie Needham, who shared a personal connection to the crisis. I have a loved one who is actually on the third floor who was evacuated, Needham said. I can't thank you enough. It was a very heroic act in keeping everyone safe. Chair Michael O'Loughlin echoed the sentiment, stating that the seamless execution of the massive evacuation was a testament to local preparation. To do it so flawlessly is a tribute to the training that goes in and I'm just appreciative every day for the departments that we have in the town, O'Loughlin remarked.

Following the fire update, the board shifted focus to the town’s fiscal outlook during the FY26 Assessing Classification Hearing. Director of Assessing Megan Peterson reported that Rockland’s total valuation has surpassed $3.6 billion, marking a 5.5% increase over the previous year. While property values are beginning to level off following the post-COVID market surge, residents should prepare for higher tax bills. The average single-family tax bill is projected to rise to $7,603, a 7.5% increase. Peterson explained that this hike includes a $2 million capital expenditure exclusion previously authorized for a new ladder truck.

The board deliberated whether to shift more of the tax burden onto local businesses via a split tax rate but ultimately decided against it. Peterson noted that a 20% shift would only save residential owners roughly $300 while saddling commercial owners with an additional $1,500. Member Steven O'Donnell agreed with the recommendation to maintain a uniform rate. I appreciate you doing that breakdown of what it would look like if we did split commercial and residential, O'Donnell said. Complete agreement that it doesn't make sense at this time because of the limited benefit.

Motion Made by M. O'Loughlin to adopt a residential factor of one (single tax rate) for FY2026. Motion Passed 5-0. The board also declined to implement residential or small commercial exemptions. Motion Made by M. O'Loughlin that the town does not adopt a residential exemption for FY2026. Motion Passed 5-0. Motion Made by M. O'Loughlin that the town does not adopt a small commercial exemption for FY2026. Motion Passed 5-0.

During the hearing, Member Needham inquired about relief for vulnerable residents, specifically the Senior Work-off program. Peterson confirmed the town recently expanded the program to 10 slots and encouraged interested seniors or veterans to contact her office to explore available exemptions. Assessed values are based on the fair market value, Peterson told the board, noting that while the market was volatile in recent years, the last two years we've seen it stabilize a bit.

Town Administrator Doug Lapp provided updates on several major infrastructure initiatives, including the selection of Pomeroy Associates as the Owner’s Project Manager for the new fire station. The firm, which recently completed a similar project in Abington, will now begin reviewing demolition plans for the Lincoln School. Lapp also announced that three firms have been shortlisted for the Pleasant Street Landfill capping project, with public interviews scheduled for December 16. On a personal note, Lapp shared that he has earned the International City Manager Association (ICMA) credentialed manager designation. It's a lifelong professional development, Lapp said of the rigorous review process. Member Needham congratulated him, describing the Town Administrator as world class.

In community news, the board noted that the winter parking ban took effect December 1, with police now enforcing the 1:30 a.m. restriction. Chair O'Loughlin also provided an update on the local food pantry, which is currently at capacity following a successful 15,000-pound scout food drive. He suggested that residents looking to help should pivot to monetary donations for the time being. Vice Chair Lori Childs reminded citizens that nomination papers for various town offices, including the Water Commission and Board of Health, will be available starting January 7, 2026.

The meeting concluded with license renewals for the 2026 calendar year, though one notable business was missing from the list. The liquor license for The Banner was withheld due to ongoing code compliance issues regarding its innkeeper status. Motion Made by S. O'Donnell to approve the license renewals as read, assuming all obligations are met. Motion Passed 5-0. Member John Ellard, Jr. took a moment to praise the spirit of the town following a busy weekend. I want to thank the Pond Street area residents for inviting John and I out for a community meeting, O'Donnell added later, emphasizing that we can't be good leaders of the community unless we're educated to all of our residents' concerns.