Hanover Debates Budget Override at Annual Town Meeting
Night 1 Adjourned After Approving an Operating Budget Contingent on a Successful Proposition 2 1/2 Vote on May 18
HANOVER, MA - May 6 - In a packed auditorium on Monday, May 6, 2024, Hanover residents gathered for the first night of the Annual Town Meeting to discuss critical issues facing the community, with the proposed Proposition 2 1/2 operational override taking center stage.
Town Moderator Doug Thomson guided attendees through a series of articles, starting with routine matters before delving into contentious budget discussions. The meeting, which began at 7:30 PM, saw both the auditorium and gymnasium filled to capacity, necessitating the appointment of Ted Hickey as vice moderator for the overflow room.
Senator John Keenan opened the proceedings with an update on the state budget, noting that the current fiscal year is expected to end in balance, with April revenues coming in $1 billion higher than anticipated. He also mentioned that the proposed budget for the next fiscal year is not expected to draw from the stabilization account, providing a glimmer of optimism for state-level finances.
The heart of the meeting centered around Articles 8 and 9, which presented two distinct budget scenarios for the town: a base operating budget within the current levy limit and an override budget that would require a Proposition 2 1/2 operational override.
Town Manager Joe Colangelo addressed the necessity of the override, explaining that Hanover's last operational override was in 1997. "We've reached a point where maintaining current service levels is no longer possible without an override," Colangelo stated. He emphasized that the town has been fiscally responsible, but rising costs and inflation have outpaced the allowed 2.5% annual increase in property taxes.
The Advisory Committee, led by Chair Emmanuel Dockter, provided context for both budget proposals. "The town's operating budget is the primary opportunity for residents to determine what services they would like their government to provide, and accordingly, how much they will pay in property taxes," Dockter explained.
The proposed override sparked debate among residents, with concerns raised about the impact on those with limited incomes. Viola Ryerson, a resident from Folly Hill Lane, voiced her worries: "It isn't just seniors. I remember running into a young family with four children. Both parents were working, and they didn't know if they could support staying in town because of their income."
Supporters of the override, including some town officials, argued that it's necessary to maintain the quality of services Hanover residents have come to expect. The Select Board committed to "living within the limitations of Proposition 2 1/2 for at least the next five years" if the override passes, and to "continue to actively approach financial planning with a multi-year, long-term lens."
After extensive debate, the town meeting voted to approve the override budget. Recognizing the hour, the meeting then adjourned to the following evening. However, this vote does not enact the override itself, which must be approved by voters at the town election later this month.
The meeting also saw moments of community recognition. Bernie Campbell was honored for his service on the Planning Board since 2006, and David R. Delaney received commendation for his work on the Select Board, underscoring the dedication of long-serving town volunteers.
As the town moves forward, the outcome of this budget vote will have lasting implications for Hanover's services, from education and public safety to infrastructure and community programs. The final decision on the override will ultimately rest with voters at the ballot box, but the robust discussion at Town Meeting has set the stage for an informed electorate to make this crucial decision.