Duxbury: Powder Point project passes; voters say ‘no way’ to cutting volunteer benefits

Monday night during the 2nd session of Duxbury’s annual town meeting, a $2.4 million repair project was approved for the Powder Point Bridge.

The 2,200 foot structure, which allows access to Duxbury Beach, recently received a poor rating by the Mass Department of Transportation. But according to Powder Point Bridge Committee Chair Jeff Lewis, the deteriorating foundation will be fixed quickly and with minimal vehicular disruption, “With quick approval from MassDOT we expect we could get started this summer and then the cap beam work in the fall when there’s less use of the beach.”

According to Lewis, 80% of the project will be funded through a $10 increase in beach stickers for Duxbury residents and a $20 increase for non-residents.

Also on night 2 of town meeting, two out of three selectmen proposed an article denying part-time elected officials medical, dental, and life insurance plans through the town. Out of the Board of Selectmen, Board of Assessors, and Moderator only two officials have benefit plans in which the town pays 75%.

However the article was not approved because many Duxbury residents, like Daniel Kostreva, stated it was a small price for taxpayers in exchange for unlimited hours of service.

“They have a huge amount of responsibility and what I consider a thankless job. And I think that to deprive those folks of the one benefit, the only perceived benefit that I can think of, I’d be against taking that away,” said Kostreva

Members of the Duxbury Board of Selectmen and Assessors receive an annual $1,500 stipend in addition to insurance benefits.

Duxbury town meeting continues Tuesday tonight at 7:30PM at the Performing Arts Center.

Jeff Lewis, Chair of the Powder Point Bridge Committee