Whitman Board Approves New Three-Year Fire Union Contract
Approved alternate Veteran's Day event
WHITMAN - September 23 - The Whitman Select Board voted unanimously to approve a memorandum of understanding with the Whitman Firefighters Local 1769, concluding what officials described as a complex three-year contract negotiation that had been months in the making.
The Full Story
The board’s vote came after an executive session focused on collective bargaining strategy. Select Board member Shawn Kain described the negotiations as “a really complex process” involving multiple parties including legal teams, the fire chief, and union representatives. He thanked those who played key roles in bringing the negotiations to completion, noting it represented “a big deal” for the town.
While specific contract terms were not disclosed publicly, the approval marks the successful conclusion of negotiations that board members indicated had required significant time and resources to complete. The three-year agreement provides stability for both the town and firefighters through 2028.
In other significant business, the board received an update on Veterans Day planning from Veterans Service Officer Declan Ware, who proposed a major change from the traditional parade format to a family-friendly indoor celebration. Ware announced plans for a tri-town Veterans Day event with Rockland and Abington to be held at the Whitman VFW on November 9.
“We want to steer away from a parade, and that’s just due to the fact of our veterans are getting old. It’s November, wet weather considerations and everything going on outside,” Ware explained. The proposed celebration would include bouncy houses and outdoor games for children, aimed at attracting younger veterans and encouraging them to join local veterans organizations.
Ware noted that veteran organization membership is declining nationwide and emphasized the importance of engaging younger veterans. “We have to entice them to join because, I’ll be frank, numbers are down in the veterans organizations. And it’s not just a Whitman thing. This is across the U.S. issue.”
The board also heard a detailed presentation from Select Board member Justin Evans about proposed changes to the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District agreement. The regional agreement committee has been working for “four or five years” on updates to the 1993 agreement, with major changes including requiring two-thirds majority votes for significant decisions like budget approval, debt authorization, and superintendent hiring.
However, the presentation sparked immediate concerns from former school committee member Dawn Byers, who spoke during public comment as a Whitman taxpayer. Byers argued the proposed agreement “disadvantages Whitman taxpayers financially” and proposed alternate assessment formulas which could benefit the town between $100,000 to $850,000 annually compared to what is currently in the agreement.
“This agreement disadvantages Whitman taxpayers financially, and it strips the majority vote from the committee, moving everything to two thirds vote,” Byers said. She advocated for tying regional school assessments above the minimum contribution to each town’s aggregate wealth model rather than the current per-pupil enrollment method.
The board discussed concerns about the agreement, particularly regarding transportation costs, which committee members acknowledged remains a contentious unresolved issue. Kain expressed disappointment that transportation wasn’t addressed, calling the omission “incomplete.”
In budget-related updates, Kain provided an update on the town’s ongoing financial challenges, noting continued focus on improving ambulance receipt collections. He announced plans to implement third-party collections for outstanding ambulance fees, which will require formal board approval and new policies to limit liability.
Kain also reported concerns about the regional school district’s fiscal management, including a shortfall in fiscal year 2025 that required using Circuit Breaker special education reimbursement funds to close the gap. The Superintendent has indicated potential staff cuts may be necessary if similar budget issues surface in the current fiscal year.
During public forum, resident Chris Scriven made an impassioned plea for civil political discourse in the community, citing concerns about increasing polarization and disinformation. Scriven, who hosts a cable access show called “Grounded,” invited community members who disagree with him to engage in respectful public discussions.
“I love this community, and it breaks my heart to see the people that I care deeply about not able to be able to speak to each other, family members, friends, neighbors, because of differing viewpoints based on different sources of information,” Scriven said.
The board also addressed a facilities matter involving shrubs around Town Hall. Facilities Director Todd DeCouto requested permission to remove overgrown evergreen bushes that create safety hazards and impede snow removal. After discussion, the board agreed to seek professional landscaping advice before making final decisions.
In routine business, the board accepted the resignation of Adrianna Destefano from the Cultural Council and appointed Errick Greenlee to fill the vacancy through June 2026. They also accepted the resignation of Frank Lynam from the Capital Committee.
Town Administrator Mary Beth Carter announced an upcoming 40R zoning public meeting for September 30 at 6 p.m., followed by a presentation to the Select Board on October 7. The 40R smart growth overlay district could provide state incentive payments for housing development near transit and town centers.
Why It Matters
The three-year firefighter contract provides labor stability and predictable costs for municipal budgeting through 2028. The regional school agreement is on track for consideration at the May 2026 Town Meetings in Whitman and Hanson, but has raised questions about funding formulas.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: After voting in Executive Session, approve in Open Session a memorandum of understanding with Whitman Firefighters Local 1769. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:03:48)
Motion: Accept resignation of Adrianna Destefano from Cultural Council. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 12:19)
Motion: Appoint Errick Greenlee to Cultural Council. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 12:42)
Motion: Accept resignation of Frank Lynam from Capital Committee. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 12:58)
Motion: Approve warrants for unlicensed dogs. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Approved with one abstention. (Timestamp: 12:06)
Public Comment
Chris Scriven urged the board to consider drafting a resolution supporting constitutional democracy and rule of law, while advocating for civil political discourse through his cable access show “Grounded.” Dawn Byers raised concerns about the proposed regional school agreement’s financial impact on Whitman taxpayers, suggesting alternative funding formulas could save $100,000 to $850,000 annually.
What’s Next
The 40R zoning public meeting is scheduled for September 30 at 6 p.m. in Town Hall, followed by a Select Board presentation on October 7. The regional school agreement will proceed to school committee and town council review before potential spring town meeting consideration. Third-party ambulance collections policy will be developed for future board approval.
Disclosure: South Shore News founder Justin Evans is a current member of the Whitman Select Board.