HANSON - January 27, 2026 - In a move to stabilize local veteran services and reduce costs, the Hanson Select Board voted to pursue a regional district agreement with the Town of Hanover. This strategic partnership aims to provide superior service to local veterans by sharing a full-time Veteran Services Officer (VSO) and introducing a dedicated administrative role, potentially saving the town money while expanding available support hours.
The Full Story
Town Administrator Lisa Green presented the proposal to the Board, highlighting the challenges Hanson has faced in maintaining a consistent, full-time VSO. Under the proposed district, Hanover would employ Terrence O’Keeffe—who has already been serving as Hanson’s interim officer with “high recommendations”—as a shared employee. Hanson would pay a percentage of his salary and benefits to Hanover through an invoicing system, avoiding the full burden of benefits and administrative overhead.
The plan also includes a major shift in how the office functions locally. The Board voted to change the title of “Assistant Veterans Agent” to “Veterans Benefit Administrator,” a 19.5-hour weekly position. This administrator would handle the intensive “Chapter 115” paperwork, VA filings, and scheduling, allowing the VSO to focus on direct veteran advocacy and outreach.
“This sounds like the best thing that we’ve really had to offer [our veterans] for quite a few years... I appreciate that it’s in moments like this where you shine when you come up with a unique idea.” [01:31:02] — Chair Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett
Board members expressed excitement about the “two for the price of one” approach. Chair Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett, while supportive, urged caution regarding “divided loyalties” during key events like Memorial Day. She requested that the final agreement include clear provisions for shared performance reviews to ensure the district meets Hanson’s specific needs.
In other business, the Board formalized the termination of the former Veteran Services Officer effective January 20, 2026, following a previous executive session. The Board also approved the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant structure, which will include 36 articles ranging from major capital paving projects to internal bylaw updates.
Why It Matters
For Hanson residents and taxpayers, this regionalization effort represents a modern approach to municipal management. By partnering with Hanover, Hanson ensures its veterans have access to a highly-qualified officer without the instability of a revolving door of part-time staff. Financially, the “district” model allows the town to provide more comprehensive services—including a dedicated administrator to navigate complex benefits—within the existing budget for a single officer.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To hold in-person early voting for the May 16th annual town elections for 3 days (May 11-13). [15:16]
Vote: Unanimous [15:43]
Motion: To terminate the Veteran Services Officer effective January 20, 2026. [16:32]
Vote: Unanimous [16:41]
Motion: To have the Town Administrator pursue a VSO district with the Town of Hanover. [32:49]
Vote: Unanimous [33:06]
Motion: To place the creation (title change) of the Veterans Benefit Administrator position in the Town Meeting warrant. [33:53]
Vote: Unanimous [34:04]
Motion: To approve an amendment to the IT Director’s contract to include use of a town-owned vehicle for municipal business. [35:57]
Vote: Unanimous [36:16]
Public Comment
No residents spoke during the public comment portion of the open session; however, the Board recognized a generous donation from Stonebridge residents to the Hanson Fire Department.
What’s Next
Community Forums: The Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee will host forums for the interim superintendent search on January 29th (Whitman) and February 2nd (Hanson).
Town Meeting Prep: Department heads must submit finalized dollar amounts for warrant articles by February 10th.
Veteran Services: Terrence O’Keeffe will attend the next meeting to introduce himself formally and discuss his vision for the new district.
Source Video: Hanson Government TV