Norwell Select Board Appoints Chad Lovett as New Town Administrator
Unveils Strategy for Projected 2028 Override
NORWELL - March 18, 2026 - The Norwell Select Board took a decisive step toward the town’s future Wednesday night, voting unanimously to appoint Chad Lovett as the next Town Administrator while simultaneously unveiling a long-term financial strategy that includes a projected $3.5 million operating override in 2028. The board also secured a five-year trash contract estimated to save over $1 million, though residents will soon face changes to bulk pickup services as part of broader cost-containment efforts.
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The Full Story
A New Leader for Town Hall
The meeting’s primary focus was the interview and subsequent appointment of Chad Lovett to succeed outgoing Town Administrator Darleen Sullivan, who is set to depart at the end of June. Lovett currently serves as the Town Administrator in Blackstone, Massachusetts, a role he has held since December 2023.
During his interview, Lovett emphasized a “servant leadership” philosophy and highlighted his experience in the private sector with Trader Joe’s, where he honed skills in systems building and customer service. He addressed Norwell’s specific challenges, including the need for “smart growth” to balance the budget while preserving the town’s rural character.
Lovett’s technical proficiency in municipal software like OpenGov and ClearGov resonated with the board. Despite some concerns from Select Board member Andy Reardon regarding Lovett’s “soft” approach to mandatory staff training, the board was impressed by his initiative to rejoin the microphone at the end of the session to clarify his experience with difficult personnel decisions and performance improvement plans.
“Ultimately, I work at the pleasure of the board. I’m going to speak my piece and give my reasons, but the board sets the policy... I’m here to serve the board. I’m here to serve the residents.” [01:07:05] — Chad Lovett
The board voted 5-0 to appoint Lovett, subject to contract negotiations scheduled to begin in executive session in two weeks.
Navigating a “Structural Deficit”
Town Administrator Darleen Sullivan presented a sobering yet strategic five-year budget forecast. While the fiscal year 2027 budget is balanced, Sullivan warned of looming structural deficits reaching $3.8 million by 2029 and over $6.6 million by 2031 if no action is taken.
To “weather the storm,” the board approved a creative plan to utilize the town’s OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits) Trust Fund. The strategy involves a $2 million infusion into the fund from free cash this year, followed by using the fund to pay for retiree health insurance benefits over a three-year period starting in 2028. This maneuver is intended to bridge the gap until 2032, when the Plymouth County retirement system is projected to be fully funded, freeing up significant operating capital.
Even with this strategy, Sullivan noted that an operating override of approximately $3.5 million—an estimated $800 annual impact on the average household—will likely be necessary in 2028.
Waste Management and the End of Free Bulk Pickup
In a move to stabilize costs, the board authorized a five-year contract extension with Waste Management. Sullivan reported that the team negotiated a rate increase of less than 5% for the first year, which significantly outperforms the current municipal market average of 6%.
However, the new contract introduces service changes to achieve these savings. Most notably, the town will eliminate the “built-in” bulk pickup service, which currently costs the town approximately $25,000 annually regardless of use. Effective July 1st, residents will still be able to request bulk item removal but will be required to pay a $35 per-item fee directly to Waste Management. Additionally, the town will begin phasing out the 249 “grandfathered” extra trash carts currently in circulation.
Boosting Local Business: Liquor License Conversion
The board voted to place an article on the May Town Meeting warrant to adopt a new state provision allowing restaurants to convert “Wine and Malt” licenses into full “All-Alcohol” licenses. Crucially, these conversions will not count against the town’s state-mandated quota. The board set the conversion fee at $500, representing the difference between the two current license tiers.
Why It Matters
For Norwell residents, this meeting outlines the roadmap for the next half-decade. The appointment of a new Town Administrator marks a major leadership transition as the town faces critical financial decisions. The proposed 2028 override and the strategic use of the OPEB fund represent an attempt to avoid the “override fatigue” of annual requests while maintaining current service levels. On a day-to-day level, the changes to trash services reflect a shift toward a more “a la carte” model for specialized services like bulk pickup, intended to keep the general operating budget sustainable.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To appoint Chad Lovett as Town Administrator, subject to negotiations.
Vote: 5-0
Motion: To authorize a five-year contract with Waste Management for trash and recycling.
Vote: 5-0
Motion: To place an article on the Town Meeting warrant to adopt MGL Chapter 138, Section 12 (Liquor License Conversion).
Vote: 5-0
Motion: To set the fee for upgrading liquor licenses at $500.
Vote: 5-0
Motion: To support the five-year financial forecast as presented.
Vote: 5-0
Motion: To approve the appointment of election workers.
Vote: 5-0
Public Comment
Matthew Hanson of the Advisory Board questioned whether voting on a Town Administrator candidate was premature during the first public interview. Chair Peter Smellie responded that the candidate pool is shallow and that waiting could risk losing a high-quality candidate to other towns.
What’s Next
Contract Negotiations: The board will meet in executive session in two weeks to discuss Chad Lovett’s contract.
Town Meeting Preparations: Finalizing warrant articles for the recycling yard revolving fund and other budget items for the April 1st meeting.
Source Video: Norwell Spotlight TV