Hanover Weighs Enterprise Fund for Transfer Station Amid Budget Crunch
Select Board Debates Override Options for FY2026 Budget
HANOVER - December 2 - The Hanover Select Board is considering establishing an enterprise fund for the town's transfer station as a potential solution to ongoing budget constraints. The proposal, presented by Town Manager Joe Colangelo, aims to remove the transfer station's $1.3 million operating cost from the general budget.
At a recent meeting, members of the Transfer Station Study Committee recommended moving forward with the enterprise fund concept, despite expressing doubts about its long-term viability.
"We are recommending moving forward with the enterprise fund, but there are plenty of caveats that go with that," said Kenneth Dussinger, the committee chair. "We have large concerns that we will be even able to fund the enterprise fund with any amount of residents that are going into it."
The committee suggested a trial period for residents to sign up, allowing the town to assess the fund's feasibility. If insufficient participation occurs, the committee advised against funding the enterprise.
Colangelo defended the proposal, stating, "We did develop three different funding models, all of which the board looked at. All the models that we developed, based on I think reasonable assumptions, showed that this would be successful at least in the short term."
However, some board members expressed reservations about the plan. Select Board member Steve Louko argued, "We spent a lot of time talking about an enterprise model that it was pretty clear would be a failing enterprise model early on."
The board also debated potential override options for the fiscal year 2026 budget. Colangelo presented scenarios including a levy limit budget with no growth and an override budget providing additional funding for schools and municipal departments.
Board members discussed the merits of presenting voters with multiple override options. Select Board Chair Vanessa O'Connor suggested, "I do see the value in providing an option. This is a number that is a little bit more reasonable, and I think it does depend on what we look at the projections and see is going to be ultimately sustainable."
John Tuzik advocated for simplicity, stating, "My recommendation would be to go with the most simplest, straightforward approach. I think that if we come up with some kind of multiple tiered presentation, it's going to just confuse people."
The board also considered the impact of potential future expenses, such as the South Shore Vocational Technical High School project, on taxpayers. Rhonda Nyman emphasized the need for comprehensive information, saying, "That's important, you know, that's going to be an increase to other property taxes. We need to know that"
Greg Satterwhite stressed the importance of resident feedback, proposing a survey to gauge priorities. "I think it's important that we do a better job of getting information from people, what they prioritize, and being supportive as a board for passing something that meets the needs of the residents," he said.
The board plans to review updated budget presentations and resident feedback before finalizing decisions on the FY2026 budget and potential override options. They reminded residents about the Special Town Meeting scheduled for Monday December 9, 7pm at the High School.