Hanson Select Board Prepares for October Special Town Meeting
Board defers recommendations on key budget articles, discusses need for public education on town finances
HANSON, MA - September 17 - The Hanson Select Board met Tuesday to finalize warrant articles for the upcoming Oct. 7 Special Town Meeting, deferring recommendations on several contentious budget items to town meeting voters.
Board members debated whether to recommend or defer articles related to restoring staff hours and using free cash, ultimately voting to defer recommendations on Articles 20 and 21 to town meeting.
"We spent three years fighting to get salaries increased and hours increased just to cut them the minute we got them," said board member Joe Weeks. "I do not want to put a person in a position in which we give them their hours back just to cut them again. It's not fair."
The board agreed to defer to town meeting on restoring the conservation agent to full-time status and other staffing changes.
"I agree with deferring, because honestly, the Conservation Commission needs to get up and make their case about why they need their guy," said Board Chair Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett. "And the Board of Health needs to get up and make their case about why they need their guy."
Board members expressed frustration with public misunderstanding of the town's financial situation and budget process. They discussed the need for better communication with residents.
"The only thing that I'm hearing is complete misunderstanding and misinformation about the way the budget and the finances are being managed," Weeks said. "It's good people putting out their voices and trying to get their voices heard. But 90% of it is completely fabricated in every single way."
The board considered hiring a consultant to help educate residents about budget issues but did not reach a decision. Town Administrator Lisa Green said her office could potentially handle the task but warned it would mean other work would "have to take back seats."
FitzGerald-Kemmett suggested reaching out to Plymouth County officials for ideas on consultants or resources to assist with public education efforts.
In other business, Green provided updates on various town projects and grants:
- She met with Bridgewater State University students who will be developing a survey for the town.
- Work continues on allocating ARPA funds for food pantry upgrades and the Pratt Place Culvert project.
- The town is working to finalize plans for a modular addition to the senior center using a $300,000 grant.
- A new highway director, Richard Jasmin, started work this week.
The Special Town Meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at Hanson Middle School. Child care will be available through the local YMCA.
The board voted to adjourn to executive session to discuss personnel matters, collective bargaining strategy, security issues, and review executive session minutes.