Hanover Select Board keeps water rates flat, approves ambulance fee increases for fiscal year 2026
Board also accepts $10,000 donation for summer camp scholarships and salt shed donation from local resident
HANOVER - June 16 - The Hanover Select Board voted unanimously June 16 to keep water rates unchanged for fiscal year 2026 while approving increases to ambulance fees at its meeting at Town Hall.
The board chose to maintain current water rates despite needing $5.4 million in revenue, opting to use $206,000 in retained earnings to keep rates flat. Town Manager Joe Colangelo presented two options, with the board selecting the no-change approach over a tiered adjustment that would have provided modest savings to some users.
"Leading up to fiscal year 26, the cumulative annual growth rate in water rates was just under 5%, so holding them flat would be a significant move for residents and businesses," Colangelo said during the presentation.
Select Board member Vanessa O'Connor made the motion to approve option one, stating, "I think the juice really isn't worth the squeeze with number two, essentially, and I agree with Jim's approach of taking a look at this in part of a broader look at the structure of our tiers in the next fiscal year."
The water rate decision comes after the town recently passed an override, with board members citing affordability concerns for residents. The current rate structure includes 14 tiers based on usage levels.
The board also approved increases to ambulance rates for fiscal year 2026, keeping the town in line with regional standards. The rates are based on a comparison with the top 50 communities in the area, with Medicare and Medicaid rates remaining unchanged as they are set regionally.
"The proposal here again would keep us in line with where the board has been placing these rates at least the last five or six years," Colangelo said. The increases primarily affect private insurance companies rather than individual residents with high-deductible plans.
In other business, the board accepted a $10,000 donation from the Hanover V&A Community Foundation for summer camp scholarships. The donation will fund the FACE program, which last summer helped 24 students from 12 families attend summer camp.
"This program really gives meaningful opportunities for students to engage, explore, and really expand their learning beyond the classroom," said Select Board Chair Rhonda Nyman.
The board also accepted a donation of a salt shed from resident Melsi Xhengo, whose property at the former Cervelli farm includes the large white structure visible from the road. The Department of Public Works will use the donated building to replace the current salt shed at Ames Way, which officials say is in poor condition.
"Generally those fabric covered structures, the lifespan on the fabric is 15 to 20 years or so. That one's about 10 years," said DPW representative Kurt Kelley. The town estimates moving and installing the donated structure will cost approximately $50,000, plus site preparation and other improvements.
The project will be funded through Chapter 90 money that has been sitting in a state account earmarked specifically for a salt shed project. Approximately $361,000 remains available from an original $400,000 allocation, with any unused funds rolling into other Chapter 90 road projects.
"Actually it's kind of perfect for this project," Colangelo said about the funding source, noting it won't cost Hanover property taxpayers anything.
The meeting also included a special recognition for retiring Water Superintendent Neil Merritt, who served 12 years in the position. Merritt received the Paul F. Howard Award, one of the highest honors in the field, and served as president of the Plymouth County Water Works Association.
"Neil has served as a water superintendent with distinction," Nyman said during the presentation. "Your professionalism, experience, and dedication will truly be missed."
Other items addressed by the board included:
• Approval of reappointments to various town committees and boards, with one vacancy remaining on the Council on Aging advisory board due to a member moving out of town
• Licensing approvals for a road race application and changes to restaurant liquor licenses at Hanover Crossing
• Discussion of upcoming Hanover Day festivities scheduled for June 26-28, featuring a juried art show, live music, food trucks, road race, and fireworks
• Preparation for the new transfer station permit system beginning July 5, with police officers stationed at the facility during the transition period
Select Board member Greg Satterwhite requested that the Council on Aging appear before the board regularly to discuss programming and challenges, noting the large senior population in town. He also put out a call for residents to volunteer their time and skills for senior programming.
The board set goals for the coming year, including supporting the town's 300th anniversary celebration, improving infrastructure, and enhancing environmental resilience. Members will finalize goal assignments at their next meeting.
Town Manager Colangelo reminded residents that transfer station permits must be purchased before July 5, with the town hall open all day on the fifth for permit sales. He also acknowledged ongoing irrigation issues at the town cemetery that crews are working to repair.
The board's next meeting is scheduled for early July, with plans to discuss ongoing litigation and MBTA communities law requirements in executive session.