Hingham Select Board Tackles Budgets, Warrant Articles

Select Board Explores Cost-Saving Measures and Modernization of Municipal Operations

HINGHAM - January 28 and 29 - The Hingham Select Board met two evenings to discuss departmental budgets, warrant articles, municipal modernization and fund balance allocation for the upcoming fiscal year.

January 28 - Select Board Chair Joe Fisher opened the meeting at 6:37 p.m., with members Liz Klein and Bill Ramsey also present.

The board unanimously approved a motion to recommend favorable action on Article HH, which will increase tax exemptions for veterans in Hingham. The new exemption, made possible by the HERO Act, will tie existing veteran exemptions to the Consumer Price Index, allowing them to increase with the cost of living each year.

Erin Delaney, Director of Assessing, explained that about 90 veterans in Hingham would benefit from this increase. "The total impact on the town would only be about $3,500," Delaney said. "This would just benefit all of our veterans."

Shannon Burke, Hingham's new Veteran Services Director, emphasized the importance of the exemption. "Any benefit that we can give them to help them out, especially our older population that is on a fixed income, would be a great help to them," Burke said.

The board also authorized Town Administrator Tom Mayo to sign an agreement with Weston and Sampson Services Inc. for the operation and maintenance of Hingham's sewer pump system and collection system. The contract, not to exceed $299,820 annually plus a one-time transition fee of $24,850, aims to improve efficiency and address staffing challenges.

"It's hard for us to find qualified people who can do the work," said Russ Tierney, Sewer Superintendent. "We all sat down and came up with a plan of how to supplement DPW, keep that fully staffed so that we can do the services that are needed for the town."

The board approved a motion to transfer ownership of a parcel at the Hingham Light Plant to the Weir River water system for the construction of a new water booster station. Tierney explained that the chosen location, at an elevation of 43 feet, is preferable to lower-lying alternatives.

"We felt that that was a higher elevation and a better place to put the pump station," Tierney said. He noted that the building will also house an odor control system for the Hingham Sewer Commission.

The board authorized negotiations for a new cell tower lease at the water treatment plant. The current 20-year lease is set to expire this year, with the new agreement expected to generate between $80,000 and $100,000 annually for the Weir River Water System.

"It's a very valuable tower to us for other reasons besides the revenue we get from it," Tierney said, noting that it also supports emergency services and a repeater for the water treatment plant.

Michelle Monsegur, Assistant Town Administrator for Finance, presented the fund balance memo, revealing an excess unassigned fund balance of about $14 million. This increase was largely attributed to higher-than-expected interest earnings from borrowings for major projects.

Mayo outlined potential uses for the excess funds, including offsetting costs for the high school roof project, senior center construction, and various infrastructure improvements. He emphasized that while $14 million is significant, the town faces numerous projects with costs exceeding that amount.

"You all need to figure out the best, most reasonable use of that money," Mayo told the board.

The meeting concluded with announcements of Hingham's reaffirmed AAA bond rating and successful bond sales for ongoing projects.

"We were able to sell the $70 million bond supporting foster and public safety for 3.84% interest rate over 30 years," Monsegur reported. "And that was under our 4% projections, which is excellent."

January 29 - The Hingham Select Board is considering a significant change in how residents receive information about the annual town meeting. During the second meeting last week, the board discussed transitioning from mailing physical copies of the annual town meeting warrant to every household to an opt-in system with digital access.

Town Administrator Tom Mayo presented the proposal, noting that the town currently spends about $33,000 annually to print and mail over 10,000 warrants.

"Randy Sylvester regularly comments about how most of them show up the following week in the recycling bins at the transfer station," Mayo said, highlighting the wasteful nature of the current system.

The proposed change would allow residents to opt in for a mailed copy while making the warrant available online and through local media outlets. Select Board member Joe Fisher suggested sending postcards with QR codes as a compromise.

"I think it'd be a lot cheaper doing a postcard than doing the warrant," Fisher said. "We wouldn't save on the postage. Although postcard postage is a lot cheaper than the other postage."

Board members expressed support for the concept but agreed that the wording of the article needs refinement. They emphasized the importance of phasing in the change and ensuring accessibility for all residents.

Select Board member Bill Ramsey noted, "People tend not to like change, right? So we're going to have to phase this in over time."

The board also discussed the Town Hall budget, which revealed insights into municipal operations. The 137,000-square-foot facility houses multiple departments and requires significant maintenance and utility costs.

Michelle Monsegur, Assistant Town Administrator for Finance, presented the budget, highlighting a team of four capable individuals who maintain the building.

"It's a beautiful facility, as you guys know," Monsegur said. The budget includes a 2.7% increase in personnel services and a small 0.5% increase in expenses.

The board praised the custodial staff for their dedication and skill. Select Board member Liz Klein commented, "They're just fantastic. Not only do they go above and beyond at town hall, but you know, when Tom asked him to do things at GAR, they're always very willing to do it."

In another cost-saving measure, the board considered a petition to allow for electronic publication of legal notices. This move could potentially save the town $18,000 to $20,000 annually in newspaper advertising fees.

Monsegur explained, "Right now, it costs the town between $18,000 and $20,000 a year on these fees to advertise in newspapers. We typically use the Patriot Ledger."

The proposed change reflects shifting media consumption habits and aims to improve public access to information. The board discussed publishing notices on the town's website, local electronic media outlets, and the bulletin board outside the town clerk's office.

Fisher emphasized the need for a push notification system, saying, "There needs to be some sort of push to the community in addition to a posting."

The board agreed to refine the language of the proposal, with Klein suggesting the term "local media outlet" to allow for flexibility in publication methods.

Full meetings available via Harbor Media. January 28 and January 29.