HINGHAM - February 3, 2026 - The Hingham Select Board moved forward with two major initiatives that could reshape town governance and infrastructure: a massive $70 million borrowing authorization for the Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant (HMLP) and a new $100,000 proposal to bring electronic voting clickers to Town Meeting by 2027. Amid these long-term plans, the Board also celebrated the town’s reaffirmed Triple-A bond rating, which paved the way for a $67.2 million bond sale that will save taxpayers $100,000 annually through strategic refinancing.
The Full Story
The February 3 meeting was dominated by significant financial authorizations and infrastructure planning for the 2026 Annual Town Meeting. The most substantial item was Article E, a request from the Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant (HMLP) to borrow up to $70 million for a major transmission and substation reliability project.
HMLP General Manager Tom Morahan explained that the project aims to add a third underground transmission line to the town’s grid. Currently, Hingham relies on two lines that share the same poles, leaving the entire town vulnerable to multi-day blackouts if a single pole is damaged by weather or accidents. Morahan emphasized that while the $70 million borrowing is a “big number,” it will not result in immediate rate hikes for residents, as a previous rate study already accounted for these costs.
“We are building this... third line in underground... to ensure that we have capacity in the future... [and] to meet the reliability standards that are set as of now.” — Tom Morahan, HMLP General Manager
In a move toward modernizing town democracy, Town Administrator Tom Mayo presented Article LL, which requests $100,000 to research and procure electronic voting devices. If approved at Town Meeting, a task force would be formed to select a system—likely handheld “clickers”—with the goal of implementing them for the 2027 Annual Town Meeting. Proponents, including the League of Women Voters, argued that electronic voting ensures privacy, accuracy, and speed, particularly for sensitive or “thorny” articles.
The town’s financial health received a major boost as the Board voted to approve a $67.2 million bond sale. Assistant Town Administrator Katie Dugan reported that Hingham’s AAA rating was reaffirmed by rating agencies, allowing the town to access the market at exceptionally low interest rates. Notably, a portion of this sale involved refunding a 2015 bond, which is projected to save the town roughly $100,000 every year for the remainder of the bond’s term.
Other major business included:
Water Infrastructure: Superintendent Russ Tierney presented a $5 million capital request (Article U) for water main replacements on Route 3A and Lincoln Street, targeting pipes that date back to 1917. He also discussed Article T, which would appropriate nearly $3 million in PFAS settlement funds for mitigation and treatment plant upgrades to meet upcoming federal standards.
South Shore Country Club: The Board reviewed a $2.4 million FY27 budget request. Director Kevin Whalen shared that the facility was recently ranked as the 14th best public course in the country based on over 226,000 reviews.
Climate Action Commission: The Board supported Article W, which would officially disband the Energy Action Committee and fold its responsibilities into the Climate Action Commission to improve efficiency and avoid overlapping efforts.
Why It Matters
For Hingham residents, the HMLP project represents a critical safeguard against prolonged power outages that could paralyze the town. Meanwhile, the shift toward electronic voting addresses long-standing concerns about voter privacy and the efficiency of Town Meeting. Financially, the reaffirmed AAA rating and successful bond sale demonstrate a high level of fiscal management, directly reducing the cost of borrowing for essential town improvements.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the minutes of January 20, 2026.
Vote: Unanimous (3-0) [[02:37]]
Motion: To appoint Darren McAdams as a special police officer effective Feb 18, 2026.
Vote: Unanimous (3-0) [[09:05]]
Motion: To amend the entertainment license for Scarlet Oak Tavern to include Wednesdays.
Vote: Unanimous (3-0) [[11:44]]
Motion: To adopt the text of the votes for the $67.2M bond and note sale as provided by bond counsel.
Vote: Unanimous (3-0) [[02:03:00]]
Motion: To recommend favorable action on Article E (HMLP Borrowing).
Vote: Unanimous (3-0) [[01:41:25]]
Motion: To recommend favorable action on Article LL (Electronic Voting Devices).
Vote: Unanimous (3-0) [[02:02:59]]
Public Comment
Liza O’Reilly, representing the League of Women Voters, spoke in strong support of electronic voting, noting that their research across other Massachusetts towns showed it significantly increased voter confidence and accessibility for those with disabilities.
What’s Next
Lincoln Day: The Board proclaimed February 7, 2026, as Lincoln Day, with festivities beginning at 10:00 AM at the Hingham Cemetery.
Town Meeting: Articles approved for recommendation will move forward to the 2026 Annual Town Meeting for final voter approval.
HMLP Open House: HMLP plans to hold an informational open house regarding the $70 million project roughly two weeks before Town Meeting.
Source Video: Harbor Media