The Select Board meeting held on May 20, 2025, in Brookline, Massachusetts, focused on critical discussions surrounding the town's sanitation services and budget amendments. The meeting highlighted concerns about the potential privatization of trash collection, which has raised alarms among local employees and residents.

Danelle O'Neil, a petitioner for a budget amendment, voiced strong opposition to the proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining in-house sanitation services. He argued that the current staffing challenges and the decision to implement early quits have negatively impacted employee morale and service delivery. O'Neil stressed that many sanitation workers are eager to continue their roles and that privatizing the service could lead to further complications, especially given the difficulties private companies face in retaining staff.

The Select Board members acknowledged the concerns raised by O'Neil and others, with discussions revealing a divide between the need for immediate solutions to ongoing sanitation issues and the desire to preserve local jobs. Board members noted that the town has been grappling with staffing shortages and operational challenges for years, leading to the consideration of privatization as a last resort.

In response to the discussions, the Select Board ultimately decided to take no action on the proposed budget amendment, indicating a need for further evaluation and community input before making any significant changes to the sanitation department. The board expressed a commitment to improving communication with advisory committees and stakeholders to ensure that all voices are heard in future decisions.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued dialogue on the sanitation services and a reminder of the importance of maintaining effective waste management for the community. The Select Board's decision reflects the complexities of balancing operational efficiency with the preservation of local employment and service quality.