The Hingham Select Board tackled the town's financial future at its January 20th meeting, advancing a slate of significant warrant articles for the Annual Town Meeting while also hearing FY27 budget requests from numerous town departments. The board, consisting of Chair William Ramsey, Liz Klein, and Julie Stley, approved placing articles on the warrant that could authorize the sale of three town properties and introduce a new real estate transfer fee aimed at generating non-tax revenue. A major topic of discussion was the potential sale or lease of the Lincoln School Apartments at 86 Central Street. Jack FY, Chair of the Affordable Housing Trust, explained the goal is to "preserve and renovate the building with financing provided by an outside party" and potentially expand senior housing. The board also resurrected a proposal for a real estate transfer fee. “If this was to pass, our need for overrides may never ever come to fruition,” Ramsey stated, emphasizing its potential to alleviate pressure on property taxpayers. Board member Liz Klein agreed, noting the proposal was a key recommendation from the Sustainable Budget Task Force because "the revenue impact... could actually move the needle for us." Other articles advanced for the warrant included the sale of the former DPW barn at 8 Short Street and the old fire station at 230 North Street. The board also heard over a dozen departmental budget presentations. Among the requests was a significant capital need from the Hingham Public Library. Director Linda Harper Stone outlined the case for a new $1.8 million HVAC chiller, stating, "We just can't have a hot library for so many reasons." In contrast, the Recreation Department, led by Mark Derell, highlighted its financial independence. "We pride ourselves on running an efficient department that does not rely on the town to pay for recreation programs, expenses, and salaries," Derell said. A lengthy discussion occurred around a proposal for a one-time, $1.35 million healthcare subsidy for town employees. Hingham employee Sulatia Eddie spoke in favor, calling rising healthcare costs a "huge, huge issue for employees." Board member Julie Stley supported moving the discussion forward, adding, "I look forward to discussing this issue with all the stakeholders." During the meeting, **Motion Made by William Ramsey to approve the minutes dated January 6, 2026. Motion Passed 3-0.** **Motion Made by William Ramsey to approve the minutes dated January 8th, 2026. Motion Passed 3-0.** **Motion Made by William Ramsey to approve the minutes dated January 13, 2026. Motion Passed 3-0.** **Motion Made by Julie Stley to submit the revised select board sponsored warrant article I building department revolving fund for the 2026 annual town meeting. Motion Passed 3-0.** **Motion Made by Liz Klein to submit the select board sponsored warrant article R transfer of funds to balance certain capital grant and other town accounts for the 2026 annual town meeting. Motion Passed 3-0.** **Motion Made by William Ramsey to submit the select board sponsored warrant article V, sale, lease, or conveyance of 86 Central Street for the 2026 annual town meeting. Motion Passed 3-0.** **Motion Made by Liz Klein to submit the select board sponsored warrant article X real estate transfer fee for the 2026 annual town meeting. Motion Passed 3-0.** **Motion Made by Julie Stley to submit the select board sponsored warrant article Y... sale of 8 Short Street for 2026 annual town meeting. Motion Passed 3-0.** **Motion Made by William Ramsey to submit the select board sponsored warrant article Z sale of 230 North Street for the 2026 annual town meeting. Motion Passed 3-0.** **Motion Made by William Ramsey to submit the select board sponsored warrant article AA transfer from the capital cost and debt service stabilization fund for the 2026 annual town meeting. Motion Passed 3-0.** **Motion Made by Liz Klein to submit the select board sponsored warrant article CC civil service fire for the 2026 annual town meeting. Motion Passed 3-0.** **Motion Made by William Ramsey to submit the select board sponsored warrant article DD civil service police for the 2026 annual town meeting. Motion Passed 3-0.** **Motion Made by William Ramsey to submit the select board sponsored warrant article FF transfer for employee health care cost subsidy for the 2026 annual town meeting. Motion Passed 3-0.** **Motion Made by William Ramsey to submit the select board sponsored warrant article LL electronic voting devices for the 2026 annual town meeting. Motion Passed 3-0.** The meeting was adjourned.