The Hingham Select Board moved forward with a controversial proposal to implement a 1% real estate transfer fee, narrowly recommending favorable action in a 2-1 vote. The Home Rule Petition, identified as Article X, would apply a 1% fee on the portion of a property sale price that exceeds 80% of the median assessed value. Town Administrator Tom Mayo presented the measure as a critical tool to diversify town revenue and protect residents from frequent tax overrides, noting that the program would have generated approximately $2.7 million in 2025 alone. Chair William Ramsey voiced strong support for the initiative, stating, I've continually hear from residents how burdensome and how crushing property taxes are to them. This is an alternative. Member Liz Klein also backed the measure, viewing it as a creative pivot away from heavy reliance on property taxes.

However, the proposal met resistance from member Julie Staley, who cast the dissenting vote. Staley raised concerns about the equity of placing a new financial burden on home buyers and noted that similar petitions in other towns have languished at the state level. Hingham's petition would be very different and out of line compared to other communities, Staley argued, pointing out that Hingham’s version allows funds to flow into the general fund once housing goals are met, unlike other municipalities that dedicate the revenue strictly to affordable housing. Resident Lisa Tully, who originated the idea, encouraged the board to consider including commercial transfers, such as the recent sale of the Stop & Shop plaza, which she described as major missed revenue opportunities. Motion Made by W. Ramsey to recommend favorable action on Article X. Motion Passed (2-1) with J. Staley voting No.

In a move to support the municipal workforce, the board unanimously endorsed Article FF, which would provide a one-year healthcare subsidy for town employees. Hingham currently operates as a "50/50 community," where the town and employees split healthcare premiums equally. The article proposes using a portion of the town’s $11 million unassigned fund balance to effectively shift that split to 60/40 for one year. The town of Hingham is one of the worst health care shared costs in the entire state, Ramsey remarked. If there's a year to do it, it's this year. Town Administrator Tom Mayo explained that rising insurance costs are currently outpacing employee cost-of-living adjustments, making recruitment and retention difficult. Public testimony underscored the financial strain on staff; Jackie Baypre, President of the Hingham Education Association, noted that some lower-wage employees like para-educators essentially receive negative paychecks during some periods due to premium costs. Margaret Curran, a teacher of 18 years, added that her premiums jumped 24% in just two years, calling the current situation unsustainable. Motion Made by W. Ramsey to recommend favorable action on Article FF. Motion Passed (3-0).

The board also tackled a citizen petition, Article MM, seeking to amend the town noise bylaw to include a 100-foot setback rule specifically for pickleball. Petitioner Hillary Tuck argued that the "pop" sound of the sport is a unique nuisance unregulated by current town departments. Who in the town reviews the noise impact of new projects in respect to the Hingham noise bylaws? The answer as of now is no one, Tuck said. The board expressed skepticism regarding the enforceability of the proposal. Mayo noted that the current bylaw is already difficult to govern and lacks dedicated staff with decibel meters. Ramsey shared concerns about creating internal conflicts, as the current bylaw excludes town-permitted activities. Julie Staley added that she was satisfied with the noise mitigation built into the proposed pickleball project at Bear Cove Park Drive. Motion Made by L. Klein to recommend No Action on Article MM. Motion Passed (3-0).

Progress continued on the proposed Hingham Center for Active Living (CAL), though the board deferred a final recommendation vote until February 26. Committee Chair Tom Carey defended the scope of the 25,950-square-foot facility, which faces criticism over its $30.6 million price tag. There's no fat, there's no wish list here, Carey insisted, explaining that the project has already been reduced by 10% and represents standard services for modern senior centers. Resident Anita Ryan spoke in opposition, questioning the $6 to $8 million in site costs and comparing the project unfavorably to costs in larger cities like Newton. Despite the debate, resident Maren Spelain urged the board to move forward, noting that current senior programs are frequently canceled or carry long waiting lists due to the lack of space in the existing Town Hall basement facility.

The board held a joint session with the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) to review over $1.8 million in recommended funding for Article M. CPC Chair Nancy McDonald highlighted that 58% of this year's recommendations are dedicated to community housing, including a $299,000 roof replacement for the Hingham Housing Authority. Town meeting has been very supportive of community housing, McDonald noted. Other projects include the restoration of the Victory Statue and an elevator replacement at Grand Army Hall. Motion Made by W. Ramsey to recommend favorable action on Article M. Motion Passed (3-0). Following the budget review, the board authorized the execution of grant agreements for previously approved projects, including the Old Ordinary campus and the new pickleball courts. Motion Made by L. Klein to authorize the Chair to execute Community Preservation Committee grant agreements for the Hingham Affordable Housing Trust, Old Ordinary Campus Improvement Project, and Pickleball Courts. Motion Passed (3-0).

Finance Director Catherine DeSimone provided updates on the town's debt management strategy, recommending transfers from stabilization funds to offset the tax impact of major school and public safety projects. DeSimone reported that a recent refunding bond effort saved the community approximately $100,000 in annual debt service. Motion Made by L. Klein to recommend favorable action on Article G for a transfer of $178,836. Motion Passed (3-0). The board also supported utilizing $2.3 million from the Capital Project Cost and Debt Service Stabilization Fund for FY27. Motion Made by L. Klein to recommend favorable action on Article AA. Motion Passed (3-0). DeSimone concluded with a report on fixed costs, noting that Medicare expenses are projected to rise 4.9% to $1.357 million in the coming fiscal year.