The Plympton Board of Selectmen voted unanimously on Jan. 12 to authorize a three-year contract with VADAR for new accounting software, responding to the impending shutdown of the town’s current financial reporting system. The transition addresses a critical operational need as the existing provider suspends operations at the end of 2026, with the new platform offering enhanced reporting capabilities and flexible payment options.
Town Administrator Liz Dennehy told the board that the town accountant evaluated proposals from multiple vendors including Munis and SoftRite before determining VADAR “seems to be the best fit for municipalities of our size.” More than 100 Massachusetts communities currently use the software.
The contract offers flexible payment structures—either a larger upfront payment followed by smaller annual costs, or more even payments across three years. Dennehy noted the smaller annual payments “could just come from the accountant’s budget” if the town opts for front-loaded payments.
The urgency stems from Plympton’s current provider “suspending operations” at year’s end. Town Treasurer Christine Kelly is simultaneously replacing payroll software with a different vendor.
“The nice part about this vendor, VADAR, and for the payroll software side that Christine is working on, which is a different company, both of their systems integrate seamlessly with our current system,” Dennehy said. “A lot of the clients for our current provider have moved to these particular vendors.”
Dennehy said the new system should provide “enhanced stability as far as financial reporting goes” and urged quick action to secure current pricing. “I don’t know if they’ll lock in the special discount pricing for much longer.”
If implemented promptly, the new software could launch with the fiscal year starting July 2026, running parallel to the existing system for six months before the old provider ceases operations. Vice Chairman Nathaniel Sides confirmed the fiscal year start would allow a smooth transition.
The board also unanimously declared a snow and ice emergency after the Highway Department reported the fiscal year 2026 budget has been fully expended. The declaration authorizes continued snow removal through deficit spending.
Sides noted the town’s $60,000 snow and ice budget has remained unchanged for years and is “purposely kept low.” He suggested increasing it to $100,000, calling it “a topic for the finance committee” to make the budget “commensurate to times.”
Dennehy agreed, saying she and the town accountant had similar discussions. “It’s just so predictable at this point,” she said of annual emergency declarations.
In other business, Dennehy reported success securing a new energy contract with Sprague Energy for town buildings. The town had been part of a collective agreement until “the school department excluded us and the other communities from it,” she said.
Administrative Assistant Briggette Martins said the separation “kind of worked out great” because the town’s solar panels earned better rates. “We even got a better rate,” she said. The contract covers the highway garage, transfer station, library, and other town buildings.
Dennehy announced she completed her Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official (MCPPO) designation renewal class. “I have a couple left before I can apply to renew the full certification,” she said. “But this was, like, the largest class for the most credits.”
The Town Properties Committee postponed its scheduled presentation until Jan. 26. Chairman Dana Smith outlined recent committee work including adoption of a maintenance request process, a mission statement, and reestablishment of priority projects focusing on public water supply and the fire station, “followed by the front door as time permits.”
An open meeting law complaint filed against the committee “has been received and addressed” but remains unresolved, Smith said. Dennehy said the committee “still has to schedule a public open meeting” to resolve the matter. A scheduled committee meeting was canceled.
Dennehy reported progress on the library patio project, a Community Preservation Committee-funded initiative. She’s working with Mike Slawson to finalize specifications for spring bidding and construction. Board members discussed potentially adding a memorial area, with Dennehy confirming it “could be added later” after initial construction.
The board approved Plympton Athletic Youth Sports’ request to use the gazebo and roadway to Holt Field for opening day baseball on April 12, subject to other department approvals. Members also approved a town clerk request for a large metal drop box for ballot collection, dog license payments, and other business. The box will be ADA compliant.
Financial reporting will continue monthly, with year-to-date budget updates from the town accountant. Dennehy said recent reviews showed most departments in good shape, with over-expenditures primarily reflecting required payment timing. Public safety departments are “trying to keep a tight lid on overtime,” she said.
The board opened warrants for annual and special town meetings, both closing the last Monday in March. Members approved Dec. 22 meeting minutes and adjourned to executive session for town accountant contract negotiations.