March 20, 2023 Submitted by the Town of Hingham
Town Administrator Tom Mayo and the Town of Hingham announce two new initiatives to help residents learn about the proposed override for Fiscal Year 2024.
PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSIONS:
The town is planning two public information sessions, sharing override details and offering an opportunity for residents to ask questions:
Thursday, March 30, from 7-9 p.m., at Sanborn Auditorium, Town Hall, 210 Central St.
Tuesday, April 11, from 7-9 p.m., Via Zoom Webinar
Webinar ID: 836 0275 0107
Passcode: 209578
Dial: 929-205-6099
At each of the upcoming information sessions, town leaders will share the latest budget information and answer residents’ questions.
The sessions are part of a more extensive outreach program, which has included office hours with elected leaders, videos and a dedicated page on the town’s website, all of which are designed to help educate residents about the Town’s proposed FY 24 budget and proposed operational override.
VIDEO:
The town is launching a series of five videos designed to address common override questions. Released weekly, the videos will be hosted on the town’s FY24 Override web page Hingham-MA.gov/Override and on Harbor Media’s website.
The newly-launched video series will provide more insight into what an override is and the factors driving the request for one this year, as well as how it will impact residents’ taxes — and how they can seek tax relief. The series will also highlight the town’s financial planning work and how residents can participate in the decision-making process.
ABOUT THE OVERRIDE:
In Fiscal Year 2022, the Select Board and Advisory Committee signaled the need for an override in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) budget. The Town Administrator’s recommended budget, voted by the Select Board and Advisory Committee, reflects an override value of $7,890,365. This includes the current deficit of $6,015,216 and $1,875,251 in additional requests.
The proposed override will maintain and enhance services. Without the override, services must be cut to balance the town’s budget. See the town’s override page for more information on these cuts.
Through March 16, the Select Board and Advisory Committee voted unanimously to approve the Town Administrator’s recommended budget. Also, the Select Board, Advisory Committee, and School Committee voted to sign a Financial Management Plan with commitments to control costs and not pursue a future override before FY28.
For the operational override to pass, it will require approval at both Annual Town Meeting on Monday, April 24, at 7 p.m. and on the ballot at the Town Election on Saturday, April 29. Town Meeting is open to all registered voters in Hingham.
Polls for the Town Election will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to review the town’s override page to learn more about the process, the town’s projected needs, and more. Residents may also submit questions about the override to override@hingham-ma.gov