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Read the most recent Update from the Town Hall

Board of Selectmen

John A. Riley
rileyj@hingham-ma.com

Laura M. Burns
burnsl@hingham-ma.com

Bruce Rabuffo
rabuffob@hingham-ma.com

DUTIES

The Board of Selectmen is composed of three members who are elected for three year terms. As the Chief Elected and Executive Officers of the Town, the Selectmen are vested with all the municipal authority not specifically retained by the Town's legislative body, Town Meeting, or other elected boards. The Selectmen appoint a Town Administrator who is responsible for the daily management of the Town.

The Selectmen issue the warrants for Town Meetings; initiate legislative policy by inserting articles in Town Meeting Warrants; and then implement the votes subsequently adopted. They adopt town administrative policies; review and set fiscal guidelines for the annual operating budget and the five-year capital improvement program and make recommendations to Town Meeting. The Selectmen appoint department heads and members of most official boards and commissions; hold public hearings on important town issues and periodic conferences with agencies under their jurisdiction and with community groups; represent the Town before the General Court; act as Police Commissioner; and enforce Town By-Laws and regulations.

The Selectmen also serve as the licensing board responsible for issuing and renewing over 70 licenses in more than 20 categories, including common victualler, limousine, liquor, inflammables, special events and entertainment.

Application for One Day Liquor License

The Board of Selectmen meets every Tuesday, unless otherwise posted, at 7:30 PM in the North Hearing Room at Town Hall. The meetings are broadcast on tape the following evening (Wednesday) at 6:30 PM on Channel 10.

2008 Annual Report

The recession that began in 2007 continued into 2008 and continues into 2009 as we publish this report. While assessed property values have declined slightly, the Town has experienced serious erosion in new development, excise tax receipts and other revenues.

Just as so many of you had to tighten your financial belt, Hingham has taken proactive steps to contain costs. In the summer of 2008, the Board of Selectmen instituted greater oversight of department budgets, and in the fall, the Board introduced hiring controls to constrain staff growth. While it remains our intention to minimize staff reductions which we unfortunately see in so many neighboring communities, the Town needs to be vigilant in this time of uncertainty surrounding the economy. To that end the Board introduced management mechanisms such as quarterly budget reviews, benchmarking and measurements tools. The Board undertook a review of the town’s tax policy as a means to identify other tax relief steps. This review is ongoing.

Of particular concern are the funds Hingham receives from the Commonwealth as it, too, deals with declining revenues. The state announced a 10% cut in Town fourth quarter non-school aid. Our legislators have warned us to be prepared for similar reductions in fiscal 2010 as the state wrestles with significant shortfalls. State aid covers 12% of our expenses. We do not expect, by the time of Town Meeting, to know the level of funding Hingham can anticipate for the coming year. Town management does have contingency plans to address any projected shortfalls. As always, the Town must practice prudent management of your monies.

The Board has adopted recommendations suggested to us by our external auditors and Finance Director in the interest of coping with long-term financial obligations. To bring stability to the Town’s planning, the Municipal Light Board and the Town have agreed to a new formula for the payment in lieu of taxes which the Town receives from the Light Plant. In anticipation of new accounting regulations effective in July 2009, the Town began to address its health care obligations to its employees in their retirement years. The Board wants to ensure that the Town can meet the commitments it makes to its employees after they complete their years of service.

This past year saw the completion of the new home for its Public Works Department and the adjoining new sports fields. Both will be ready in 2009. The Town purchased with Community Preservation funds the former Mobil station on Route 3A as another step towards protecting and improving our waterfront.

Most importantly, the construction of the new elementary school off East Street continues on schedule for a planned opening in the fall of 2009. The building of this, our fourth elementary school, was approved last year by Town meeting and on the ballot at the town election; it will relieve the overcrowding now being experienced in our schools. Opening a fourth elementary school depends on an additional vote by the town for a $1.1 million override which will provide the staffing. This funding would allow the town to continue its longstanding commitment to education.

In the fall of 2008 at a Special Town meeting, the Town voted to purchase the Lincoln School Apartments, a 60 unit complex of affordable housing for our senior citizens formerly owned and managed by the Benedictine Fathers at Glastonbury Abbey. The purchase and operations of the Apartments will be funded by monies received from rents and federal subsidies. This property will provide housing for many years to come to the elderly of our community, and the purchase further reinforces the Town’s commitment to all members of our community.

Finally, the departure of our long-serving Town Administrator Charles Cristello for a new position with the Town of Middleborough caused the formation of a search committee to find a new Administrator. After six months our new Administrator. Kevin Paicos, began assuming his duties just after the New Year. He has served as the Town Administrator for the towns of Ashburnham and Easton. His extensive background and experience will be an asset to the Town. The Board of Selectmen would like to recognize and to thank the employees for their hard work in helping the Town maintain delivery of services during the transition period.

John A. Riley, Chairman
Laura M. Burns
L. Bruce Rabuffo