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Town of Hingham FY24 Override
Video 2: What Will the Proposed Override Provide?
March 24, 2023
Introduction
The Town is entering the FY24 budget season with a significant deficit that results from adding critical capacity to school and municipal services during COVID-19. In addition, Hingham is experiencing the same challenges as many Massachusetts communities where the cost of providing services has outpaced revenue growth allowed under Proposition 2 ½.
The Town used one-time federal and local reserve funds in FY22 and FY23 to offset these deficits. As we move away from the pandemic and seek to bridge the funding gap permanently, the Town must either reduce services to balance the FY24 budget or raise recurring revenue through an override to maintain current operations.
Given this context, the Town is proposing a $7,890,467 operational override for the FY24 budget. To pass, the override will require approval at both Annual Town Meeting on April 24, 2023 and on the ballot at the Annual Town Election on April 29, 2023.
We’ve compiled information, resources, and FAQs on this page to help community members learn more about the FY24 budget process and override proposal. We will continue to post additional information and updates below over the next few months.
Override - Public Information Sessions
In Person: Thursday, March 30th, 7-9 PM, Town Hall
Remote: Tuesday, April 11th, 7-9 PM, Zoom
Join: https://zoom.us
Dial 929-205-6099
Webinar ID: 836 0275 0107
Password: 209578
Override Benefits
- Education
- General Government
- Public Safety
- Public Works
- Human Services
- Culture & Recreation
- Capital Investment
Hingham has always taken great pride in its schools, accomplished educators, and first-class educational programming. If the proposed override is passed, the Hingham Public Schools will be able to maintain the current level of programming, retain current faculty and staff members, and continue progress toward the implementation of our strategic plan.
Our general government category is wide and varied and includes many public facing sectors. These functions are critical to the Town’s identity. The proposed override will maintain our ability to provide services in support of economic development, affordable housing, sustainability, our new Climate Action Plan, our regulatory processes, and the many elected and appointed volunteers in Town. Economic development is important to the Town’s long-term financial stability.
Hingham is proud of our first responders and recognizes the lifesaving work they do every day. The proposed override will allow us to maintain the Police and Fire Departments’ current levels of effectiveness and support of School Resources Officers, DARE program, CPR instruction, youth relations and community policing initiatives. The override also allows for the continued focus on modern public safety services, including a community crisis clinician. Additionally, the override will help staff the Fire Department appropriately – and reduce the need for forced double shifts and excessive overtime costs.
Our Public Works team takes great pride in keeping Hingham safe, functional, and beautiful. The override will allow us to maintain our current conditions including harbor clean up, field mowing, tree planting, filling potholes, street line painting, and general maintenance of public grounds. The override will also add engineering capacity to ensure our infrastructure remains functional and resilient.
Hingham’s Human Services team has become increasingly vital to the health and wellbeing of the community. The override will allow us to continue to support our community’s health, wellness, and mental health needs. The override will also ensure continued transportation services and support expanded programming for our fast-growing senior population while also adding capacity to support the changing needs of our veterans.
In many ways, Hingham’s culture and recreation programming is where the Town most directly interacts with our citizenry. In this sector, the override will allow us to continue our new fields maintenance program, keep the Hingham Public Library open on its regular schedule, and continue to provide meaningful public ceremonies for important events such as Memorial and Veterans Day.
The Town’s Financial Policy reminds us that “we are the current caretakers” of this wonderful community. The policy further suggests that the appropriate funding level for capital investment should be between 3-6% of the Town’s operating budget. The override would ensure that we are in compliance with our policy and give the Town the resources needed to maintain our buildings, vehicles and equipment.
Tax Impact Calculator
Property Tax Relief
The Town continues to expand property tax relief programs and enhance outreach efforts to encourage citizens to take advantage of these resources.
We offer a number of different property tax relief programs for residents based on age, income, and veteran or disability status. Town staff can help direct you to the right programs and exemptions. The Assessor's Office webpage provides a list of property tax relief programs and contact information to learn more.
In addition, did you know that you may be able to “work off” a portion of your property taxes by completing tasks/projects for Town Departments? The Town offers both a Senior Tax Workoff Program through the Senior Center and a Veterans’ Tax Workoff Program through our Veterans’ Services Department.
Not sure where to start? The Assessor’s Office would be happy to help:
- Visit: Town Hall, 1st floor, 210 Central Street, Hingham, MA
- Call: 781-741-1455
- Email: Assessors@hingham-ma.gov
Still Have Questions?
Please email us at override@hingham-ma.gov.