Hanover Finance Department Rebuilds After Staffing Crisis as Select Board Sets New Goals
Town Manager introduces newly assembled finance team following significant turnover, while board adopts goals focusing on financial health and infrastructure improvements.
HANOVER - July 7 - Hanover's Select Board welcomed the town's rebuilt finance department team Monday night, marking the end of a challenging year that saw the departure of key financial staff and required emergency measures to maintain basic operations like payroll.
Town Manager Joe Colangelo introduced the new finance team during the July 7 meeting, emphasizing how the department has recovered from what he described as a period when the town "literally had no bodies in the finance department and struggled at times literally to make payroll."
"It's certainly been quite the year in the finance department from basically having no bodies in the finance department and struggling at times literally to make payroll and make sure that monies were transferred and wired and teachers and cops and firefighters and DPW and everyone got paid to building back what I think is a really good team now," Colangelo said.
The new team includes MJ Spagone as Treasurer Collector, Debbie Dunn as Town Accountant, and Matt DeMeo as Assistant Accountant. The department also retained several existing staff members, including Carol Mattes as Administrative Services Manager and Mimi Gallagher, who stepped up from a part-time planning office role to serve as Interim Treasurer Collector during the crisis.
Colangelo praised Gallagher's dedication during the transition period, noting she worked evenings, weekends, and holidays to keep operations running.
"She was there every night that I drove by. She was there on Christmas Eve, on New Year's Eve, on weekends," Colangelo said. "I cannot say enough good things about what Mimi has done, and if it wasn't for Mimi, a lot of people would not be getting paid."
The staffing challenges required the town to hire contractors for essential functions, including a Town Accountant on a contracting basis and additional help in the treasurer collector's office. These emergency measures contributed to budget overruns that required municipal relief transfers totaling $134,000 from the Department of Public Works general expenses to cover finance department costs.
Looking ahead, Colangelo committed to improved financial transparency, announcing the department will post monthly year-to-date financials by the 15th of each month and provide quarterly public presentations to the Select Board.
In other business, the Select Board adopted goals for fiscal year 2026 covering five main areas: long-term financial health, housing initiatives, environmental sustainability, transportation infrastructure, and effective use of town properties.
The financial health goals include developing a capital improvement plan, exploring revenue diversification, and conducting a comprehensive review of town fees and charges. Housing initiatives focus on supporting affordable housing development and exploring innovative housing solutions.
Environmental goals encompass phasing out synthetic pesticides and fertilizers on town property, supporting renewable energy initiatives, and enhancing recycling and composting programs.
Transportation and infrastructure priorities include improving safety along Routes 139 and 53, advocating for MBTA service improvements, and developing a comprehensive transportation plan.
Greg Satterwhite volunteered to coordinate the goal assignments, with board members expected to choose their areas of focus and work in teams of two on specific initiatives.
The board also approved the appointment of MaryAnn Brugnoli to the Council on Aging Advisory Board. Brugnoli, who has personal experience with senior care challenges through her sister-in-law's recent placement in memory care, expressed interest in exploring state and federal funding options for seniors who cannot afford expensive care facilities.
"I would be curious, as I've spoken with Les about it, looking at state or federal funding to see what's available for people who just can't, you know, can't stay in their homes anymore, yet can't afford, you know, the $10,000, $12,000 a month for that kind of care," Brugnoli said.
Other agenda items included approval of a corporate structure change for Ryan Family Amusements' liquor license at Hanover Crossing and recognition of the successful launch of the new transfer station permit system.
Budget Director Jim Hoyes reported that transfer station permit sales have exceeded expectations, with 2,700 full access permits sold representing 107% of the goal. The new system generated strong revenue in its first weekend of operation, with only about 30 cars turned away for lacking permits.
The meeting also featured updates on Hanover Day, which organizers reported had record wristband sales and strong community participation. The 2026 event is scheduled for June 26-27.
Police Chief Tim Kane presented concerns about electric bike and scooter safety, highlighting increased usage among young riders and the potential for serious accidents. Kane announced that officers will enforce all bicycle traffic laws and can seize e-bikes for 15 days when operated dangerously.
"I do foresee, if things don't change, that we will suffer a fatality in this town. It's absolutely going to happen. It's a matter of when, it's not if," Kane said.
The chief noted that Massachusetts regulates Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes that travel up to 20 mph, but many bikes can be modified to exceed legal speed limits. He supports proposed state legislation that would include age restrictions and stricter regulations for e-bike operation.
Current law requires helmet use for riders under 16 and prohibits scooter operation between sunset and sunrise, though enforcement remains challenging. Kane plans to offer bicycle safety classes in partnership with Hanover Crossing and will deploy bicycle officers to monitor compliance on local trails where e-bikes are prohibited.