The most notable topic was the board’s successful negotiation with Verizon regarding the Plymouth Tower. Administrator Basler reported that the county would receive a termination fee of $76,450 from Verizon, along with additional monthly lease payments of $7,510 until all equipment is removed from the tower. This action follows environmental concerns related to osprey nests, which have delayed equipment removal. Once the equipment is removed, ownership of the tower will transfer to the county, opening up future leasing opportunities. The board approved a motion for the administrator to finalize and sign the agreement with Verizon.

The discussion also covered the importance of a 15-year Hansen lease extension, which includes a 3% annual increase and continued rental income from AT&T at $7,700 per quarter. These agreements are important for protecting the county’s interests and ensuring ongoing revenue. The board also noted the potential development plans by Boston Properties, who have a lease until June 2026 and recently made a $150,000 payment.

In addition to these agreements, the meeting focused on the management of ARPA funds. Treasurer O’Brien provided updates on community projects completed under budget, raising questions about handling excess funds. It was noted that unspent ARPA funds would revert to the county but could be redirected to other projects within the same town. The board emphasized the importance of a robust process for reviewing and reallocating these funds.

The meeting also highlighted the county’s efficient handling of administrative costs associated with the ARPA program. Plymouth County’s administrative costs remain under 1%, compared to another community’s 11%, which was celebrated as exemplary. The board approved motions for fund disbursements, including awarding $36,216.11 to Plymouth and $15,468.25 to Clifton Lawson Allen LLP for administrative support.

In another development, the deputy treasurer reported that the city of Lowell has joined Plymouth County’s parking program. The deputy treasurer emphasized the program’s growth and success, noting that it operates on ticket revenues rather than taxpayer funding, avoiding a financial burden on residents.

The commissioners also addressed the rising health insurance costs, with an anticipated 11.5% increase in the private sector. They discussed the success of the Mayflower Municipal Health Group in managing financial reserves, resulting in a lower-than-expected use of funds. This achievement was attributed to effective county management, with over $1 million returned in investment assets. Increased interest from municipalities in joining the Mayflower group was noted, leading to the establishment of a formal process for potential new members.

The board also reviewed the performance of the Plymouth County Retirement Association, which boasts the second-best returns in Massachusetts at 9.82%. The association is 67.5% funded and on track to reach full funding by 2031, ahead of the state’s 2036 timeline. The commissioners expressed satisfaction with the association’s strategic financial management and the positive feedback from members.

Additionally, the board discussed preparations for potential protests related to an upcoming court case. Concerns were raised about crowd control and ensuring that court operations are not hindered. The board emphasized balancing public access with individuals’ First Amendment rights to protest and suggested involving law enforcement to manage the situation effectively.

The meeting concluded with a focus on staffing challenges within the maintenance team and preparations for the upcoming Karen Reed civil trial. The board acknowledged the need for temporary custodians and expressed appreciation for the commissioners’ support in addressing these staffing needs. The potential for traffic disruptions during the trial was noted, and plans to manage the impact with the involvement of state police and a court security team were discussed.