SAUGUS — Debra Panetta, chair of the Board of Selectmen, looked back at the accomplishments the board made in 2024, their goals for 2025, and the work that she is doing outside of town hall.
Panetta noted three accomplishments from 2024. Chief among them was that the town maintained an AA+ stable global rating with S&P Global.
“The strong rating helps Saugus achieve better borrowing rates, which eases the tax burden on residents,” she said.
The second major accomplishment was the enhancements made to Anna Parker Park. The park received a significant upgrade with six new pickleball courts, a street hockey rink, and a picnic area with tables, benches, and shade trees for families to enjoy, said Panetta.
The final accomplishment was Article 18. “The attorney general approved a new town bylaw, voted by town meeting, that established important environmental performance standards for solid waste facilities that are subject to Board of Health enforcement,” Panetta said. “Solid waste facilities in Saugus must satisfy specific emissions standards for ash, light, noise, visible emissions, and other air pollutants.”
With 2025 in full swing, Panetta and the Board of Selectmen have their eyes on the town’s future goals.
“There are additional parks in town that need upgrading, including Stackpole Field and Golden Hills,” Panetta said. “The Board of Selectmen, Town Meeting Finance Committee, and our town manager continue to be very supportive of upgrading parks and playgrounds.”
Panetta continued that one of the goals the board had in 2024, which will continue in 2025, is to have more communication within the town.
“With the hiring of a media website content manager last year, we are getting important information out to residents in a timelier manner,” she said.
Another major goal for 2025 is a request from residents for a third fire station on the west side of town, a request that stretches back decades. Panetta said that she looks forward to seeing the feasibility study and that the project will need the support of voters before it can move forward.
“And as always, we want to maintain our strong S&P Global ratings, signifying strong budgetary performance and very strong financial reserves,” Panetta added.
Panetta also mentioned her work outside of the board, which has a major focus on the environment. Panetta is a part of the Saugus River Watershed Council (SRWC), Saugus Action Volunteer for the Environment (SAVE), a founder of the Alliance for Health and the Environment, and the Ash Landfill Closure Committee. She is the president of SRWC and has served as vice president and president of SAVE over the years.
“I have spent decades learning what I can and educating people of all ages on the benefits of a clean environment,” Panetta said. “When I was the chairman of the School Committee, I went to the elementary schools teaching students the value of recycling. I have participated in dozens of clean-ups.”
Panetta also serves on the board of directors for the Saugus Business Education Collaborative, where all money made goes back to the Saugus schools.
“I am committed to our Saugus Schools and want the best education for our students,” Panetta said. “I hope that we can coordinate a Student Government Day this year like we did pre-COVID.”
Panetta said that Saugus offers many opportunities for residents to get involved and that the more people volunteer, the stronger the community will be.
