Hingham Receives $502,309 in County Funding for Public Safety and Development

Plymouth County officials present check to support new public safety facility, COVID testing costs, and economic development plan

HINGHAM, MA - November 20 - Hingham officials welcomed Plymouth County Commissioner Sandra Wright and Treasurer Tom O'Brien to present a check for $502,309 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds at the November 20 Select Board meeting.

The majority of the funds will support the town's new public safety facility, with additional allocations covering costs related to a COVID-19 testing center and an economic development plan.

"We are joined by Plymouth County Commissioner Sandra Wright and by their treasurer Tom O'Brien this evening. We have been working with the county for the last few years because they've made over $4 billion in ARPA funds available to Hingham for various projects," said Michelle Monsegur, Assistant Town Administrator.

The funding is part of a larger allocation from Plymouth County to Hingham, totaling over $3.7 million over the past four years.

Commissioner Wright emphasized the efficiency of the county's distribution process, noting, "We have plans by delivering twice as much money and half the time you're doing it at only 1% administrative cost, which leads us to making more money on the table for people."

Treasurer O'Brien highlighted the county's unique position in fund distribution, stating, "We're close to the people. If there's an issue that Tom or Michelle or Art have, they can call Plymouth. They don't have to worry about all the effort and try to get down to Capitol Hill trying to figure out the needs of federal government or even state government."

The county's low administrative costs of 1% were praised, compared to the federal average of 7% to 10% and state averages of 3% to 5%.

Select Board members expressed gratitude for the county's support. "The reputation of this county is just superb," said Joe Fisher, Select Board Chair. "I mean, I've heard from other towns and just generally the work that you've done to make sure that the funds come to the residents and the businesses of the state is outstanding."

Board member Liz Klein added, "Certainly our team has worked very hard, to put the funds to good use, and they, they really have their, these are not frivolous projects, these are critical needs, for this community."

The funding allocation breakdown includes support for the new public safety facility, reimbursement for COVID-19 testing center costs, and funding for an economic development plan spearheaded Assistant Town Administrator Art Robert.

In other business, the board approved a one-day special all-alcoholic beverages license for the Hingham Women's Club's Festival of Trees event, scheduled for December 6, 2024, at the Hingham Community Center.

The board also approved a common victualler's license for Tatte Bakery and Cafe, set to open at Derby Street Shops. Owner Brendan Boyle expressed excitement about bringing the concept to his hometown, stating, "I grew up at 145 Martins Lane, and my sisters both live in Hingham. My parents live right around the corner in Hanover. So, I'm thrilled to be bringing it down to my family and to be bringing it down to all the residents of Hingham."