Nantucket Select Board approves $6.29 million NRTA budget with new driver benefits

NANTUCKET — May 13, 2026 — Nantucket Select Board approves a $6.29 million NRTA transit budget and hears police dispatcher grievances at a lengthy May 13 meeting. The board voted 5-0 to approve the Nantucket Regional Transit Authority's fiscal year 2027 operating budget, a roughly 6 percent increase over the prior year driven largely by a new mandate that operator Keolis North America provide health insurance and benefits to bus drivers — a first for NRTA — at an estimated cost of $300,000 to $400,000. Administrator Gary Roberts reported that $1,489,000 in grants offsets the expense and that fare-free service is funded through December 2026. The board also approved a $1.3 million revenue anticipation note through Piper Sandler and Company at a net interest rate of 3.23 percent, generating $46,000 in interest costs, down from $60,000 last year. On housing, Deputy Housing Director Dylan Metchampel reported the town's Subsidized Housing Inventory has reached 512 units, or 8.28 percent, following addition of 15 Sparks Avenue units, with safe harbor from Chapter 40B running through December 2027. The board voted 5-0 on sewer fee waivers for eight income-restricted units at the Sparks Avenue development and accepted an affordable housing restriction from Habitat for Humanity for four units at 20 Nancy Ann Lane. During public comment, three 911 dispatchers and recently terminated Assistant Supervisor Patrick Considine alleged a hostile work environment at the Nantucket Police Department and stated the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination has opened a formal investigation; the board read a statement from Chief Jody Casper saying she could not comment on the personnel matter.