Concerns over the Oak Street project’s budget overruns took center stage at the Plymouth Advisory and Finance Committee meeting on October 2, 2024. Committee members expressed a strong desire for an audit of the project, which reportedly exceeded its budget significantly.

Committee member Howard raised the issue, noting that feedback from town citizens highlighted the need for transparency regarding the financial mismanagement of the Oak Street project. He mentioned that the select board had tentatively agreed to conduct an audit and urged that the findings be presented to the advisory and finance committee for review.

Lally, another committee member, supported the call for an audit, emphasizing that the building committee had previously recommended such a review after assessing the project. He pointed out that the lack of an engineering official during the project’s setup may have contributed to critical oversights, such as the sewer connection requirements being neglected.

Lally also expressed concerns about the management of construction projects funded by Community Preservation Committee (CPC) money, suggesting that cost-cutting measures may have led to significant issues, ultimately inflating the project’s costs. He highlighted the importance of proper oversight for town-owned buildings, particularly in light of ongoing renovations like those at the Pilgrim Museum.

The committee's discussions underscored a growing demand for accountability and thorough examination of municipal projects, particularly those involving substantial public funds. As the committee moves forward, the anticipated audit of the Oak Street project could provide crucial insights into the financial practices of the town and set a precedent for future projects.