South Shore News...letter: No Easy Answers
South Shore Wrestles with Layoffs, Overrides, and Failing Infrastructure
Week of October 27 - November 5, 2025
Money remains the common denominator across every South Shore community last week, as municipal leaders confronted a sobering reality: even communities that recently passed overrides still face difficult choices. From Duxbury’s $105 million budget requiring another override vote to Whitman-Hanson’s shocking $1.43 million mid-year deficit forcing pre-holiday cuts of 30 employees, the region’s fiscal pressures continue to intensify despite previous voter support. Meanwhile, infrastructure emergencies demanded immediate attention—Plymouth’s Memorial Hall faces potential closure from water infiltration threatening a $239,000 self-sustaining operation, while communities from Marshfield to Norwell grappled with aging school buildings, failed culverts, and diseased trees. The elimination of MCAS as a graduation requirement created new accountability challenges for districts across the region, with Hingham reporting a 6% drop in 10th-grade scores as students rushed through exams they knew “didn’t count anymore.”
The week’s stories reveal a fundamental tension in South Shore governance: communities must maintain essential services and address urgent infrastructure needs while operating within tax levy limitations that haven’t kept pace with fixed cost increases. Health insurance, pension obligations, and utility costs continue rising faster than available revenue, forcing officials to choose between service cuts, employee layoffs, or returning to voters with override requests. Town’s face a funding crisis as taxpayers feel the affordability crisis.
BUDGET CRISES & FISCAL PRESSURES
Whitman-Hanson Staff Layoffs Imminent as Union Delivers No-Confidence Votes (Link) The regional school district confronts a $1.43 million FY26 budget crisis requiring layoffs of up to 30 employees just weeks before the holidays. The deficit stems from a stark mismatch: the budget allocated $39.7 million for salaries but actual obligations total $41 million, growing by approximately $40,000 every pay period. Phase one cuts affect 25 union and non-union personnel across 30 positions, with reduction in force letters tentatively scheduled for November 14 and last work days November 21. The teachers union delivered votes of no confidence in Superintendent Jeff Szymaniak and Assistant Superintendent George Ferro, citing repeated failures in governance and irresponsible stewardship. The school committee discovered they lack legal authority to direct the superintendent on personnel cuts, with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 71, Section 59 giving personnel decisions solely to the superintendent. The committee voted 9-1 to rescind its previous illegal directive. Acting Business Manager Brian Hyde revealed FY25 was balanced only through $1.9 million in accounting adjustments, and that FY26 faces additional shocks including $600,000 over-budget in Group Insurance Commission assessments and $300,000 under-budgeted unemployment costs. Following a failed override that eliminated 18 classroom positions earlier in 2025, this second round of cuts compounds concerns about the district’s 3,500 students’ educational stability.
Duxbury Selectboard Approves $105 Million Draft Budget, Setting Stage for Override Vote (Link) The Selectboard endorsed a draft FY2027 operating budget totaling $105 million, advancing two scenarios following last year’s failed override: the 5A “level services” budget with a 5.29% increase maintains current reduced services, while the 5B budget seeks additional funding to restore positions cut after 2024’s voter rejection. Town Manager René Read emphasized the 5A budget is “unsustainable” and could lead to more severe FY2028 cuts and staff burnout. Finance Committee Chair Betsy Sullivan warned that “there is no department that is adequately staffed” with salaried employees working six to seven days weekly to meet legal obligations. The 5B budget requests include restoring four full-time and two part-time positions subject to RIFs, adding seven full-time positions, two additional police patrol positions, two firefighter-paramedics, a civil engineer for DPW, and restoration of Sunday library hours—totaling approximately one-third the size of last year’s override request. Debt service shows a 1.62% increase for voter-approved projects including the $27.4 million DPW facility and $15 million seawall project (with $3 million grant, plus 25% assessed as betterments). Health insurance increases by $871,000 (10% increase), and Plymouth County retirement assessment rises 7.48% to $7.09 million, with the system fully funded by 2031. The board scheduled December 15 to present a balanced budget incorporating school figures.
Scituate Select Board Approves Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Without Layoffs Despite Rising Fixed Costs (Link) Town Administrator Jim Boudreau reported a balanced FY2027 budget with no layoffs or service reductions despite significant fixed cost increases. The budget projects a 2.5% property tax increase with new growth estimated at $700,000—substantially lower than FY2021-2023 when major developments contributed over $2 million annually. This declining new growth is particularly concerning given that approximately 80% of the town’s budget comes from property taxes. Personnel requests for five new police officers, IT positions, facilities positions, and fire department changes were not supported, except for a half-year water treatment plant operator needed when the new plant goes online. The Economic Development Committee’s funding structure will change, eliminating automatic funding in favor of competing for allocations like other departments. Enterprise funds show mixed results: Widows Walk Golf Course is now profitable after three years of deficits, but the water enterprise fund faces substantial cost increases including 28% electricity hikes, requiring a recommended 3-4% rate increase. The pension system will be fully funded by 2031, but health insurance costs continue escalating, with GLP-1 drug coverage potentially costing $50 million statewide. The housing production plan showed Scituate has 455 subsidized units (6% of housing stock), requiring 37 new affordable units to maintain “safe harbor” status under state law.
Whitman Select Board Raises Trash Fee to $435, Citing Contract Increases and Uncaptured Costs (Link) The board voted to increase the annual trash fee from the proposed $417 to $435 (with $25 senior discount to $410), reflecting both rising hauler contract costs and an effort to recapture approximately $30 per household in indirect expenses historically subsidized by general taxpayers. Board member Shawn Kain proposed the higher rate to capture administrative expenses like barrel repairs, customer service, and bill processing—standard practice for the water and sewer enterprise fund. Vice Chairman Dan Salvucci opposed including indirect costs, expressing concern about timing when “people are already outraged at the price.” The compromise rate passed unanimously. Kain also provided budget updates showing FY2026 spending appears on track at the one-quarter mark, though some union contracts haven’t been updated with COLA increases, meaning potential back pay could impact current year budgets. He outlined a strategic approach prioritizing personnel over capital projects, recommending using one-time free cash for Plymouth County retirement liability rather than capital requests. The DOR certified general fund free cash at $1,050,313 (significantly less than the previous year), while capital requests already exceed $3 million. Kain reported the Whitman-Hanson district initially indicated a FY2025 deficit, but now suggests the deficit also occurs in FY2026, prompting formal RIF warning letters to teachers.
Cohasset Rejects Recycling Facility Enterprise Fund and Free Kindergarten Petition at Special Town Meeting (Link) Residents rejected two major financial proposals at special town meeting. Article 6, establishing an enterprise fund for the Recycling Transfer Facility, failed 106-133 after a hand count. The RTF’s projected annual budget is $825,000, with revenues from facility stickers ($450,000) plus construction/demolition fees and pay-as-throw bags. Town Manager Chris Senior emphasized enterprise funds are commonly used across Massachusetts (Scituate, Hanover, Marshfield, Rockland, East Bridgewater), allowing facilities to save money and finance capital improvements. Opposition centered on transparency concerns, with Leonora Jenkins noting the town hasn’t received regular financial reports from other departments for nearly two years. Following the defeat, Article 7 passed, allocating an estimated $100,000 from pay-per-throw bags plus $400,000 in permit fees as contingency to cover RTF expenses through FY2026. Article 12, seeking $300,000 from free cash for tuition-free full-day kindergarten, was overwhelmingly defeated. Advisory Committee Chair Jeanne Astino noted free cash stands at $1.2 million (lowest since 2012), with $600,000 already appropriated earlier in the meeting and another $400,000 added, leaving reserves at dangerously low levels. Current kindergarten tuition stands at $3,000 per student. Officials expressed willingness to work toward implementing free kindergarten beginning in FY2027 through regular budget process.
INFRASTRUCTURE & CAPITAL PROJECTS
Plymouth Grapples with Memorial Hall’s Deterioration as Water Intrusion Threatens Closure (Link) The Select Board confronted a stark reality: Memorial Hall faces potential closure due to severe water intrusion and structural problems neglected for over a decade. Director of Inspectional Services Jason Silva warned he cannot guarantee the building will remain open in its current condition. Water penetrates through the foundation, east wall, and north wall, creating dangerous conditions where water and electricity could contact. Town Manager Derek Brindisi outlined urgent repair options ranging from $753,000 to stabilize temporarily to a full $22 million renovation. In 2011, the town hired CME Associates for $18,000 to analyze water infiltration, recommending $33,000 in repairs. Five years later, town meeting appropriated $86,000 for that work, but nine years later that money remains unspent while problems worsened. The administration presented funding options: $60,000 for foundation work, $275,000 for east wall, $350,000 for north wall. DPW Director Bill Coyle estimated work could buy at least five years, eliminating approximately 90% of water problems and protecting electrical systems. The board discussed using $500,000 from Memorial Hall’s revolving fund, seeking $100,000 from Visitor Services Board, and PGDC/Economic Development Foundation contributions. Board member Kevin Canty suggested increasing the $1-per-ticket facility fee to $5, though Director Joe Goldberg cautioned renegotiation could take eight months and risk losing entertainment management companies. The hall operates self-sufficiently with no taxpayer burden for $239,000 annual staffing costs, drawing 1,000-1,100 per event versus 650-750 in 2021, with downtown businesses reporting 50% revenue increases on event nights.
Abington Seeks $1.6 Million to Cover Contaminated Soil Cleanup at DPW-Fire Station Site (Link) The Select Board unanimously voted to seek $1.6 million in additional funding for the ongoing $40 million DPW garage and central fire station after contaminated soil remediation nearly depleted the project’s contingency budget. DPW Fire Station Building Committee Chair Shawn Reilly reported excavation in phase one uncovered extensive contaminated soils requiring costly testing, sorting, and off-site disposal. The affected area had been used since the 1940s-60s to bury debris and excavate sand. Despite 20 test pits and a dozen test borings, contamination proved more extensive than anticipated, including roadway sweepings, telephone poles, tires, metal pieces, plastic bags, and one intact fuel tank. No oil or gas spills were discovered. Current EPA/DEP regulations required creating piles, testing through licensed site professionals, waiting for classification results, and obtaining disposal site approval before trucking materials off-site. The board will ask voters at May 2026 annual town meeting to authorize borrowing over 10 years under MGL Chapter 44, Section 7 and Chapter 59, Section 21CM. Despite setbacks, the project remains on schedule for spring 2027 completion. Foundation walls for the salt shed have been poured, with steel deliveries scheduled for early November (DPW) and December (fire station). The project compares favorably to similar efforts—Sandwich is building a DPW facility and fire substation for just over $60 million.
Marshfield Select Board Approves $7.4 Million Martinson School Roof Project for January Vote (Link) The board advanced the $7.4 million Martinson School roof replacement to a January 10th special election after extensive debate over roofing material selection. The project secured 49.31% MSBA reimbursement (at least $3 million) through the Accelerated Repair Program. Controversy centered on whether to use TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) or EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) roofing. Jack Griffin advocated for EPDM with a 40-year warranty costing only $38,000-$50,000 more than TPO, arguing it would eliminate replacement needs in 20 years and save $7-16 million in inflation costs. Construction Manager Ed warned that delaying beyond summer 2026 could trigger the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board threshold—if costs exceed $6.5 million, the town would face $2-3 million in additional accessibility work including regrading sidewalks, restriping parking, and upgrading handicap access. Ed’s internal estimate came at $6.8 million versus the architect’s $6.3 million. Architect Matt Kozikowski defended TPO for hot air welded seams that hold up better with ponding water, versus EPDM’s glued seams that can fail. The MSBA Board of Directors votes October 29th on authorizing the project funding agreement. Town Clerk Narice Ann Casper advised minimum 35 days’ notice for election, preferably two months, with costs approximately $12,000. Superintendent Patrick Sullivan warned it would be “fiscally irresponsible” to lose MSBA funding opportunity.
Hanson Locks in Three-Year Energy Contract; Highway Building Needs Major Roof Replacement (Link) The Select Board voted unanimously for a 36-month electricity supply contract with Sprague Energy for town buildings, locking in a rate 0.68 cents below National Grid averages. Board member Joe Weeks advocated for the three-year commitment: “I think everything’s kind of volatile right now. I’d rather lock in whatever consistency we can.” Chair Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett initially expressed hesitation about the longer term but ultimately supported it. In unexpected news, Highway Superintendent Richard Jasmin reported the highway department’s main building has developed a serious roof leak with water pooling on the deteriorating surface. Preliminary estimates range from $60,000 to $85,000, though costs could increase if additional damage is discovered during demolition. The building inspector examined the structure and determined it “still got good bones,” though under OSHA regulations a leaky roof constitutes immediate danger. The department is temporarily covering the leak while finalizing estimates. The board also approved a common victualler license for Fetch BBQ, recognized WHCA for its 20th anniversary, and learned that Town Clerk fees for vital records will increase from $5 to $10 effective January 1—the first increase since 1988.
Norwell Select Board Approves Infrastructure Projects; Ash Borer Crisis Escalating (Link) Highway Surveyor Glenn Ferguson provided extensive updates on nearly-completed boardwalk reconstruction and multiple infrastructure projects. The western boardwalk connecting middle school to high school, shut down in November 2024 after engineers determined it could only support 40-50 pounds per square foot (versus required 100), is on track to open by year’s end under budget. Contractor ACK Marine’s $1.7 million project was supplemented by $30,000 in self-performed demolition, saving approximately $400,000. The new structure features heavier construction with genuine four-by-eight treated lumber and comprehensive bracketing versus the previous inadequate sistered two-by-sixes. Ferguson reported emergency Wildcat culvert repair after eight-inch rainstorm caused road collapse—the culvert had been improperly repaired with 24-inch pipe inside 30-inch pipe. Despite street engineering estimates of $1.2 million, Ferguson’s team completed work in-house for roughly half the cost, coordinating with Water Department to install a new 12-inch water line sleeve. The million-dollar High Street reconstruction in the Cole School area brings sidewalks, grass strips, and granite curbing to previously underserved west Norwell. Perhaps most pressing: ash borer disease epidemic affecting thousands of trees across 80 miles of roads. Ferguson’s removing 20-25 trees weekly, focusing on high-traffic arterials: “I don’t want to come and tell you you lost a resident because a tree fell.” He’s deploying center booms capable of removing 30 trees daily and warned black leaf disease affecting beech trees will emerge in two to three years.
Scituate Approves $120,000 Water Study as Town Secures $5 Million Sewer Grant (Link) Special town meeting opened with Select Board Chair Andrew Goodrich announcing a $5 million MassWorks grant for North Scituate sewer construction—”actual real money” rather than borrowing. The competitive state grant will fully fund construction without requiring bonds. Voters spent most of the 49-minute meeting debating Article 7, funding a feasibility study for desalinating seawater for non-potable uses like golf course irrigation and treating wastewater for groundwater recharge. Water Resources Commission Chair Bruce Arbonies emphasized the proposal is supplemental, not replacement: “We’re looking to try to find some consistent water supply that would deliver anywhere from 300,000 to 500,000 gallons a day. That would be about a third of what we normally use.” Town Administrator Jim Boudreau highlighted Plymouth’s successful pilot distributing 750,000 gallons of treated wastewater daily into sand beds percolating into groundwater wells, now seeking permits to expand to 3 million gallons daily. Heather Clark opposed: “Spending money in order to study something that we know will be expensive to the town in order to irrigate golf courses, I as a taxpayer, it doesn’t sit well with me.” Arbonies closed with infrastructure investment argument: “Your approval of this article tonight gets us started so in 10 or 15 years, we’re not having this conversation about how we need more water.” Article 11, authorizing Select Board to petition legislature for digital-only legal notices, passed despite split 3-3 advisory vote and floor opposition from residents concerned about those who don’t use computers.
EDUCATION POLICY & STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Hingham Students Maintain Strong Test Scores Despite State’s Elimination of MCAS Graduation Requirement (Link) Students continued significantly outperforming state averages in spring 2025, with 76% meeting or exceeding expectations in grades 3-8 ELA versus 42% statewide, ranking first among 11 benchmark districts. However, the elimination of MCAS as a graduation requirement created what Assistant Superintendent Erica Pollard called “plot twists”—particularly affecting 10th grade where the district saw an unexpected 6% drop in ELA scores. “We have reports of a lot of students just finishing this exam really fast in 10th grade,” Pollard explained. “You could hear from students coming out on day two saying ‘Oh, are you just taking a break? Oh no, no, I’m done.’ It was 15 minutes in.” Statewide, many students submitted blank essays or wrote about unrelated topics. School Committee member John Mooney questioned accountability “for students going in, doing 10 minutes on a test, and then they get to leave.” Superintendent Katie Roberts acknowledged the challenge: “We’ll continue to stress the importance of taking pride in your work.” In mathematics, 70% of grades 3-8 students met expectations, ranking 20th statewide and 13th among districts with 400+ students. Special education students in math ranked first or second among benchmark districts in most grade levels. School Committee member Tim Miller-Dempsey questioned whether budget reductions in MTSS interventionists over two years might affect results. Roberts clarified staffing still meets tier three and most tier two needs, though group sizes might be larger.
Plympton School Committee Unanimously Recommends Ross MacPherson to Fill Vacant Seat (Link) The committee voted unanimously to recommend MacPherson for appointment through May 2025 elections, filling a vacancy created when a member joined Finance Committee and was required to resign under state law prohibiting simultaneous service on committees subject to FinCom budgetary oversight. MacPherson, a 14-year resident with two Dennett Elementary children, completed service on Town Properties Committee and previously served nine years on Public Safety Building Committee. He leads the town’s Cub Scout program and works with Boy Scout troops. The meeting featured comprehensive MCAS presentation showing mixed results. The district received “not requiring assistance or intervention” classification, making “moderate progress toward targets” (40% progress percentage, 69% accountability percentile). ELA showed significant improvement: Grade 5 jumped from 43% to 64% meeting expectations (21-point increase), Grade 4 rose from 53% to 60%, but Grade 6 declined from 52% to 42%. Mathematics presented more challenging picture with 51% meeting expectations across grades 3-6 (down from previous years). Committee member Rob Montgomery questioned: “What jumps out at me here is the not meeting. The red, right? Fifteen. Three times higher than any other year.” The district secured a $133,000 state literacy improvement grant funding professional development, curriculum costs, and teacher committee work. Chair Jason Fraser emphasized budget realities: “Two and a half percent is not going to be able to provide enough dollars for the school to maintain level services.”
Hanover School Committee Approves Graduation Policy Without MCAS Test Requirement (Link) Following nearly an hour of debate, the committee voted 3-1 (with one abstention) to adopt a competency determination policy not requiring students to take MCAS for graduation, aligning with the state’s removal of high-stakes testing but leaving accountability concerns unresolved. Committee member Ryan Hall raised concerns about the policy’s silence on requiring exam participation, noting Massachusetts expects 95% student participation. “I have concerns about putting in a policy and requirement that flies in the face of the state expectation,” Hall said. Assistant Superintendent Deborah St. Ives clarified: “In no way would the administration here try to put forward a policy that is against something that’s required by the state. We still have every expectation that students participate.” Curriculum Director Matthew Plummer provided context that the high school received “needs assistance” designation after participation in one cohort dropped below 95%, affected by only five or six additional students. Spring 2025 MCAS showed 67% meeting expectations in ELA, 64% in mathematics, 61% in biology—middle of comparison districts. Director of Finance Michael Oates presented preliminary FY2027 budget projecting 2.5%-3% increase maintaining level services with no new positions and no cuts, representing approximately $2 million increase ($1.5 million personnel, less than $500,000 expenses). Significant expense driver: planned expansion of New England Center for Children partner programs to elementary and high school levels.
Abington Schools Show Mixed MCAS Results, Launch Major Curriculum Review (Link) Assistant Superintendent Dr. Chris Basta presented results revealing persistent achievement gaps, particularly at grade six where ELA scores fell 12 points below state average. All four elementary grade levels performed below state in ELA: grade three (-3 points), grade four (-7), grade five (+1), grade six (-12). Dr. Basta noted results reflect years of fragmented literacy instruction with different approaches at Beaver Brook, Woodsdale, and fifth grade: “We know as a district, literacy in our elementary schools has been fragmented and not as consistent as we’d like it to be.” The district received the PRISM 2 grant to evaluate K-5 ELA curriculum and implement new program next year for consistency. Mathematics showed variability: grade three (-13 points below state), grade six (+3 above state). Math Department Head Ms. Doherty highlighted positive high school trend—Grade 10 students previously 10% below state in “exceeding expectations” closed gap to 1% below. She attributed improvement to curriculum work and “building thinking classrooms” strategies, but acknowledged: “I truly think a piece of it is that the test was not a graduation requirement.” Multiple presenters noted concerns about student motivation post-ballot question. Dr. Gonsalves spoke candidly about students not completing writing tasks because “it didn’t count anymore.” District-wide chronic absenteeism decreased from approximately 17% (2022-23) to 14% (2024-25) but remains above pre-pandemic levels.
Rockland School Committee Approves 11-Day Educational Tour to Spain and Portugal for 2028 (Link) The committee unanimously approved an ambitious tour marking departure from typical schedules by requiring students to miss two days of school for the extended itinerary. Travel club advisor Ms. Walsh explained: “This trip wouldn’t be worth it without going to Barcelona as well, which requires it to be an 11-day tour.” Unlike previous trips, EF Tours can now lock in specific dates, eliminating uncertainty. The tour is designed for Spanish language students to apply classroom learning in real-world settings, with price point between $4,000-$5,000 within standard range. Committee member Jaime Hennessy noted pricing appears reasonable given extra day. EF Tours introduced new feature streamlining experience: tips for tour directors, local guides, and coach drivers can now be included in online payment system. Committee Chair Jill Maroney noted both she and Hennessy had students participate in last year’s tour: “Not everyone gets that opportunity. Some of them haven’t even been to Disney. The fact that they can go to another country and learn all these things and apply their classes, it’s just huge to me.” Superintendent Dr. Alan Cron recognized Laura Stracco, middle school science teacher, for securing a $30,000 STEAM life sciences grant from Mass Life Sciences Council, noting ongoing work to expand STEAM/STEM programs and develop career pathways.
MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS & LABOR RELATIONS
Weymouth Town Council Appoints New Town Clerk, Transitions Leadership (Link) The council advanced the appointment of Lisa VanWinkle of Norwell as town clerk for a three-year term, marking the end of an era as Kathy Deree prepares to retire after 31 years of service. Council President Mike Molisse thanked Deree: “I want to congratulate her moving on to her next chapter in retirement...we thank you for your years of commitment to Weymouth.” The council also advanced Lee Hultin’s reappointment as assistant town clerk. Director of Administrative Services TJ Lacey presented six additional board/commission appointments: Jason Benjamin to Cultural Council, Harrison Carter to Historical Commission, Linda Glennon to Board of Elder Services, Rebecca Haugh to Recreation Commission, and Brian Kintz to both Cultural Council and Scholarship Committee. The brief meeting (less than 10 minutes) marked a personal milestone for Molisse, transitioning from council to mayor’s office. Councilor Arthur Mathews acknowledged: “I just wanted to acknowledge you Mr. President as this is your last town council meeting with us...and look forward to working with you as the next Mayor of Weymouth. I want to acknowledge the 25 plus years that you’ve done as a town councilor.” All measures were referred to Budget Management Committee. Veterans Day commemoration scheduled for November 11th includes 9:30 a.m. Korean War Memorial Ceremony in Jackson Square, 10:15 a.m. parade, and 11 a.m. services at Ralph Talbot Amphitheater with U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team performance.
Weymouth Municipal Election Results: Burga Upset; Molisse Elected Mayor (Link) In a stunning defeat, Council Vice President Pascale Burga lost her District 1 re-election bid to challenger Kathy Rober Kelly 932-812. Burga had been expected to ascend to Council President until January reorganization following Mayor Robert Hedlund’s retirement. Michael Molisse cruised to victory unopposed as mayor with 6,699 votes. The Council-At-Large race saw Frederick James Happel lead the field (5,229 votes), followed by Stephen Shinney (4,641), H. Richard Coughlin (4,452), Christopher Michael Heffernan (4,391), and Andrew Ryan Donovan (4,307). Alyson Dossett (3,869) and James M. Melody, who passed away a month ago (2,301), fell short. All district council incumbents appeared headed to victory: Kenneth Joseph DiFazio in District 3 (895), Arthur E. Mathews in District 4 (802), Gary J. MacDougall in District 5 (943), and Carrie Marie Palazzo in District 6 (890). Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw won District 2 with 792 over Edward Steven Cowen’s 445. For School Committee, Kelly Ann McClean led with 4,346, followed by Cindy M. Lyons (3,970) and Ashley Theresa Dickerman (3,425).
Hingham Select Board Ratifies Three-Year Contract with DPW Union (Link) The board unanimously approved a collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local Union 25, representing DPW rank-and-file employees, after just three negotiating sessions. The contract (effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028) includes 3% annual salary increases and equity adjustments for three of four employee levels. Personnel Board’s Jack Manning explained the town compared itself to 19 municipalities, revealing three of four levels required equity adjustments to remain competitive. “I think we handled the town’s needs to maintain control over costs in a meaningful way,” Manning said. “At the same time, I wanted to recognize that we have some terrific people, some who have worked for the town 30, 35, 40 years.” DPW Director Ashley Sanford echoed collaboration: “It was a great group to be able to work with, and I think we were able to negotiate the things to meet the needs on both levels.” Board Chair William Ramsey praised employees: “The DPW does phenomenal work for our town. It’s hard work. It’s difficult work, but our DPW employees are fantastic.” The board also approved annual appointments of special police officers, including Robert Ramsey (effective December 2) following his December 1st retirement, and a change of manager for The Beth restaurant to Carlie Pardini, a Hingham resident with nearly 20 years hospitality experience. The board approved an all-alcoholic beverages restaurant license for Cove Club at 20 Broad Cove Road—a private golf and dining facility with five simulators, receiving 100+ membership inquiries in 30 days (72% family memberships, 34% from women).
Norwell Select Board Approves Fire Union Contract, Appoints New Officer (Link) The board unanimously ratified a collective bargaining agreement with IAFF Local 2700 after negotiations Town Counsel Rich described as collaborative and productive. The town bargaining team included town administrator, fire chief, deputy fire chief, HR, and counsel. Board Chair Pete Smellie noted the agreement represents “a great betterment of morale” on both sides. The board appointed Gabrielle Dos Santos as conditional police officer, replacing Officer Joe Esposito who returned to Rockland. Police Chief Edward Lee praised Dos Santos’s emotional intelligence: “Gabby impressed us throughout the hiring process not only with her enthusiasm and her professionalism but with a high level of emotional intelligence, empathy and understanding.” The board honored outgoing Director of Planning and Community Development Ilana Quirk, retiring Friday after over 40 years in municipal and land use law. Select Board member and Planning Board Chair Brian Greenberg delivered extensive remarks: “Ilana doesn’t have business hours. She’s responsive at all hours of the day and night to make sure she’s meeting the needs of Norwell’s residents.” State Senator Patrick O’Connor presented a State Senate citation. The board designated parking directly across from Town Hall entrance as veteran-only parking under the recently passed Valor Act. Budget discussions revealed concerns about FY2027 timeline, with initial estimates showing $1.3 million deficit on town side before any school increase.
Marshfield Select Board Approves Charles Sumner as Interim Town Administrator (Link) The board voted unanimously to appoint Sumner as interim town administrator and directed town counsel to draft a policy requiring board review of all town meeting warrant articles. Chairman Eric Kelley raised concerns about special town meeting process: “I think a lot of the articles on there probably should have waited until the annual town meeting,” noting lack of coordination among board members before articles were posted. Select Board member Trish Simpson highlighted challenges created by part-time office situation and lack of full-time administrator, saying the meeting “felt a little disjointed.” Sumner, working three days on-site and one remotely, plans to focus immediately on financial forecast and budgetary process: “We have a lot to do in a very short period of time.” The board approved Police Chief Tavares’ request to hire one additional lateral transfer officer (making three total) to address overtime concerns following retirement. The chief reported approximately 20 applicants with about half qualified and five strong candidates. The board discussed creating alternate positions on appointed town committees after residents expressed interest but found committees at full capacity. Town Counsel Bob Galvin explained most appointed boards could add up to two alternates through general bylaw amendment for spring annual town meeting. The board briefly addressed unauthorized helicopter rides at recent car show at fairgrounds generating noise complaints, not included in event permit application. Police Sergeant Mike DiMeo submitted detailed after-action report with 16 recommendations.
PUBLIC HEALTH & REGULATORY MATTERS
Rockland Board of Health to Hold Public Hearing on Kratom Regulation in December (Link) The board will hold a December 9th public hearing on potential regulations for kratom, described by health officials as “gas station heroin.” Tobacco Control Coordinator Kathleen Mahoney presented alarming information about the substance’s addictive properties and growing use among residents, including minors. Mahoney warned that kratom’s synthetic variant, 7-OH or 7-hydroxymitragynine, is 13 times more potent than natural leaf and has been linked to addiction, psychosis, seizures, and overdoses. Health Agent Delshaune Flipp purchased kratom from a local establishment without identification request, despite labeling indicating 21+ only. Mahoney explained a 15-year-old Rockland resident obtained it through mail. The substance is currently unregulated by FDA and Controlled Substance Act, though DEA lists it as “drug and chemical of concern.” When consumed in low doses, kratom produces stimulant effects; in high doses, sedative and opioid-like effects. Health concerns include nausea, itching, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, abnormally fast heart rate, vomiting, drowsiness, loss of appetite, anorexia, insomnia, seizures, weight loss, and addiction. Eight Massachusetts communities have already banned or restricted kratom: Belchertown, Canton, Chelmsford, Dracut, Kingston, Lowell, Marlborough, and North Attleboro. The School Resource Officer submitted a letter expressing concerns about kratom’s growing popularity. The board scheduled the public hearing for December 9th, allowing required 30-day notice for all tobacco establishments.
LOOKING AHEAD
The coming weeks will bring critical decisions across the region. Marshfield voters face a January 10th special election on the $7.4 million Martinson School roof project. Duxbury’s school department presents its proposed FY2027 budget to the school committee November 5, with public hearing December 10 and balanced budget presentation December 15. The Whitman-Hanson crisis continues to unfold as affected staff receive RIF notifications, with the budget subcommittee meeting within one week for detailed financial review. Scituate’s $120,000 water study and North Scituate sewer construction advance following November 3rd town meeting approvals. Rockland’s kratom public hearing on December 9th will determine whether the community joins eight other Massachusetts municipalities restricting sales. As budget season accelerates, residents should prepare for difficult conversations about service levels, tax increases, and the long-term sustainability of current operations—conversations that will determine the South Shore’s municipal capacity for years to come.
Very comprehensive