Hingham residents are facing a potential 3% water rate increase and a new $65 annual capital assessment, as outlined in a proposed $15.2 million Fiscal Year 2027 budget for the Wear River Water System. The potential increases were the centerpiece of a series of departmental budget presentations to the Select Board on Tuesday night.

Water and Sewer Superintendent Russ Tierney explained that the new fee and rate hike, which would take effect July 1, 2026, are necessary to fund significant infrastructure projects. The $65 assessment is specifically for the storage tank, booster station, and rehabilitation of Turkey Hill, Tierney said, noting that overall expenses are projected to rise by 5.3%, largely due to debt service from recent work. Tierney also highlighted a major success for the department: a significant reduction in unaccounted-for-water, now down to 14.9%, thanks in part to a robust flushing program. Board member Julie Staley praised a recent public hearing on the topic, stating, I recommend anyone who wants to learn more to watch the recording of the January 28th meeting.

Tierney also presented a $4.1 million operating budget for the Sewer Department, representing a 9.2% increase over the prior year. He attributed the majority of the increase to debt service for the ongoing Route 3A force main replacement project. He reported that phase one of the project is nearly complete and that the town has successfully used all its ARPA funds, which reduced borrowing needs from $5 million to $2.5 million so far. Board Chair William Ramsey praised the efficiency of the combined departments under Tierney's leadership, noting the 3A project went as well as it could be expected. A potential sewer rate increase for FY27 remains uncertain pending rates from the MWRA, which are typically announced in May.

The South Shore Country Club also presented its FY27 budget request of $2.45 million. General Manager Kevin Will celebrated the club's recent national recognition, where it was ranked 14th among public courses nationwide by Golf Advisor based on over 226,000 reviews. The budget includes a modest 3% rate increase for permit holders and a $5 increase on all greens fees. If you look at what we offer, we're probably on the higher end, but I think the experience we have is different, Will said, noting a waitlist of over 800 people. The budget also accounts for a major bond payment for equipment purchased last year and anticipates the new pool opening in June of 2027. Board member Liz Klein offered her congratulations, saying, Thank you and congrats to the whole team. Really impressive. I'm thrilled to see that ranking. The budget makes sense to me.

In other business, the board formally recognized retiring Hingham Police Lieutenant Darren McAdams for his 32 years of service, appointing him as a special police officer. Chair Ramsey praised the lieutenant's long career. He's been an integral part of the police department and our community and I congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement, Ramsey said. The board unanimously supported the appointment, Motion made by W. Ramsey to appoint Darren McAdams as a special police officer for the town of Hingham effective February 18th, 2026 through October 31st, 2026. Motion Passed 3-0.

The board also granted a request from the Scarlett Oak Tavern to add Wednesdays to its entertainment license, allowing for more live music on its patio. General Manager Kenny Robishaw said the change would provide more opportunities for entertainment, especially after rainy weather limited the previous season. Motion made by L. Klein to approve the request from Weber Development LLC doing business as Scarlet Oak Tavern to amend its entertainment license to include Wednesday. Motion Passed 3-0.

The meeting began with the board reading proclamations to declare February 7, 2026, as Lincoln Day and the month of February as Black History Month in Hingham.