WHITMAN - March 24, 2026 - Faced with a mounting budget deficit and “terrible choices,” the Whitman Select Board voted Tuesday night to move forward with a funding override proposal specifically tied to the public library. The decision aims to protect police and fire departments from immediate layoffs, but it leaves the fate of the town’s library—and its state certification—directly in the hands of voters this spring.
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The Full Story
The meeting was dominated by a sobering presentation from Town Administrator Mary Beth Carter, who detailed the town’s precarious financial position. [43:07] Carter presented several scenarios to close a gap of several hundred thousand dollars, including a $450,000 public safety override, a $475,364 library override, or a “million-dollar override” that would theoretically stabilize the town for two fiscal years and cover a $212,000 snow and ice deficit. [43:51], [52:16]
Member Shawn Kain argued for the “smallest override possible,” arguing that public safety must remain the town’s top priority. [01:23:41] Kain proposed that the override be focused on the library, meaning that if voters reject the measure at the ballot box, the library would be slated for closure to balance the books. [01:53:43]
“If I have to have this terrible choice between public safety and the library, then I choose the library,” Kain stated, adding that police and fire services should be “as insulated as possible” from budgetary concerns. [58:24]
However, Chair Carl Kowalski warned of the long-term consequences of such a move. [01:02:43] Citing a report on library decertification, Kowalski noted that closing the library would result in the loss of state aid (approximately $47,000 last year) and would likely lead neighboring towns to strip Whitman residents of borrowing privileges. [01:03:08], [01:03:23] “We lose everything if we decertify,” Kowalski said. [01:04:13]
Member Justin Evans pushed for a larger $916,000 override—approaching $1 million—designed to make the school district whole, cover the snow and ice deficit, and stabilize the town for the next two fiscal years. Unlike the majority of the board, Evans argued that public safety positions, spared after last year’s override was rejected, should be the focal point. He emphasized that the board must be willing to follow through with cuts if voters reject the funding.
“We’re not getting out of this hole in the next five years... It probably makes sense to consider a million covering us for next year and not hitting our one-time money as much.” [1:07:51] — Justin Evans, Select Board
The board also heard from Ryan Tressel, Chair of the Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee, who noted the schools have already cut nearly $2 million and nine positions from their upcoming budget. [01:27], [02:15] Tressel urged the board not to balance the budget “on the backs of children” by cutting both school services and the library. [04:29]
In other business, Tom Hickey, Superintendent of South Shore Vocational Technical High School, provided a project update. [06:12] He announced that the “shovel will go in the ground” this June for the new school building, which is slated to open for the 2028-29 school year. [06:48], [07:32] Hickey also discussed a proposed regional agreement amendment to bring Pembroke into the district, which he estimated could reduce Whitman’s debt share for the building project by approximately 10%. [13:37]
The board also addressed local business matters, granting a Class 2 auto dealer license to CTS Auto LLC for 470 Temple Street, following an executive session with the applicant. [17:15], [24:03] Additionally, the board voted to terminate a Marijuana Host Community Agreement with Soulflower Inc. due to the project’s failure to commence operations. [38:47], [40:09]
Why It Matters
The proposed $475,000 override is estimated to cost the average Whitman homeowner (with a home assessed at $516,000) approximately $96 per year. [01:11:56], [01:56:54] If the override fails, the town faces the prospect of closing its public library, losing all state library grants, and risking reciprocal borrowing agreements with neighboring communities. [01:03:08] The board’s decision reflects a broader struggle among South Shore towns to fund escalating fixed costs, such as healthcare and retirement obligations, within the limits of Proposition 2½. [01:22:56]
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To grant a Class 2 auto dealer license to CTS Auto LLC at 470 Temple Street. [21:20]
Vote: 4-1 (Kain opposed) ([01:24:03])
Motion: To terminate the Host Community Agreement with Soulflower Inc. based on the expiration of the agreement. [39:40]
Vote: Unanimous ([40:09])
Motion: To propose a “small” override focused on funding the library, with the understanding that the library will close if the override fails. [01:53:43]
Vote: 3-2 (Kowalski and Evans opposed) ([01:54:03])
Public Comment
Ryan Tressel (School Committee Chair): Advocated for the library and school budget, noting the district’s recent sacrifices. [01:27]
John Galvin (Resident): Suggested using $500,000 from the town’s $3.5 million General Stabilization fund to avoid an override, arguing the town has healthy reserves. [01:16:23]
What’s Next
The Select Board will meet again on April 7, 2026, to finalize the Town Meeting warrant and the specific language and final dollar amount for the override article. [42:35], [01:54:16]
Disclosure: South Shore News founder Justin Evans is a current member of the Whitman Select Board.
Source Video: Whitman Government TV