Hanover Special Town Meeting Approves Transfer Station Enterprise Fund
Residents vote to maintain service through user fees, address budget constraints
HANOVER - December 9 - Hanover residents voted to establish a Transfer Station Enterprise Fund at a Special Town Meeting on December 9, 2024, paving the way for the continuation of transfer station services outside the general operating budget.
The move comes as the town grapples with financial constraints within its levy limit, following the rejection of an override last year.
Town Manager Joe Colangelo presented the enterprise fund proposal as a solution to maintain transfer station operations without cutting other essential services. "If you don't take this expense and take it away from the tax levy, it will always be pressing up and putting other services now in jeopardy of being able to continue," Colangelo said.
The enterprise fund model will allow the cost of services to be covered directly by users rather than through property taxes. Preliminary estimates suggest an annual fee of around $325 for residents to maintain the service.
Advisory Committee Chair Emmanuel Dockter emphasized the critical nature of the decision. "If this enterprise fund is not established, the almost guaranteed outcome is that the transfer station services are going to end because we cannot pay for them under Prop 2 1/2," Dockter said.
The vote followed extensive debate, with some residents expressing concerns about the potential impact on low-income families and the possibility of illegal dumping.
Julia Traggorth, Chair of the Transfer Station Study Committee, highlighted the need for capital improvements at the facility. "Our transfer station needs about 1.5 million dollars in capital improvement projects that never really, I mean they get approved but not really," Traggorth said.
The enterprise fund is expected to provide greater flexibility in responding to the changing landscape of solid waste management. The Select Board will be responsible for determining the specific funding mechanism, whether through a sticker fee or another approach.
In other business, the Special Town Meeting approved an amendment to the South Shore Regional Vocational School District Agreement. The change modifies how debt obligations are divided among member towns, potentially benefiting Hanover due to its fluctuating share of student enrollment.
*editor’s note: Hanson, Scituate, Rockland, and Whitman approved the amendment previously. Abington failed to achieve a quorum and could not vote. With Cohasset and Hanover approving the amendment on Dec. 9 the agreement is approved by the necessary 2/3 of member towns.
Residents also voted to appropriate $1,150,000 for the purchase of a new fire engine pumper. Fire Chief Jason Cavallaro cited safety concerns and the need to maintain the department's five-year replacement cycle as reasons for the purchase.
The meeting approved a $60,000 appropriation from Community Preservation Funds for a conceptual design plan for B. Everett Hall Field and Sylvester School Field. This project aims to redevelop the area for passive and active recreational use in time for Hanover's 300th anniversary.
Town Moderator Doug Thomson managed a lively discussion throughout the evening, ensuring all voices were heard while maintaining order.
The Transfer Station Enterprise Fund will take effect in Fiscal Year 2026, with the possibility of fee collection beginning in Fiscal Year 2025. The town will now work to implement the new system and communicate changes to residents in the coming months.