December Whitman Updates

5th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

Dollars for Scholars delivered again in what has become one of my favorite Holiday traditions. A vendor event, Santa, the Grinch, food trucks, music and dance performances, and of course a ballfield full of Christmas Trees. Thank you once again Whitman-Hanson Dollars for Scholars!!

Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EehRZdBMF/ 

WHCA recording: https://youtu.be/6W62jQEISAw?si=MZjbkiOrGJc4u3YQ 

The Grinch in Town Hall. Photo credit Alex Hagerty

FY26 Budget discussion

We’re getting an early start on planning for FY26, and it looks tough. With conservative projections, our budget looks to outpace our revenue by about $1.7 Million. This is driven by large increases in Plymouth County Retirement and Health Insurance, the fact that we used free cash to balance the budget last year, and an expected drop off in new growth in the town. A lot can change before May, but at this point we’re discussing an operational override to maintain service town levels. 

Express article: https://whitmanhansonexpress.com/whitman-board-hears-override-need/

South Shore News article: https://www.southshore.news/p/whitman-faces-17-million-budget-deficit 

WHCA recording: https://youtu.be/0_YBpP4NXN0?si=PJAPkd-jFttHcr9X 

WHRSD talks finance

The Superintendent assured the School Committee that they are okay financially, while outlining some of the challenges faced by their business office. The committee also remained optimistic about working with the Select Boards on the FY26 budgeting process, reacting to discussion from Whitman’s Nov 12 Select Board meeting.

South Shore News article: https://www.southshore.news/p/whitman-hanson-school-district-grapples

Express article: https://whitmanhansonexpress.com/budget-season-in-full-swing/

WHCA recording: https://youtu.be/nL1JxbRIIac?si=d0HBm4hS7lrfz6SD 

Quick notes

Overnight parking Reminder

Quick reminder from Whitman Police that there is an overnight parking ban during snow and ice events. 

Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HpABxfWMc/?mibextid=wwXIfr

COA Christmas Lunch

Whitman’s Council on Aging once again hosted a fantastic Holiday Luncheon. Thank you to Mary Holland and Melissa Maroney for continuing to grow this event!

Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/147EmNqh5A/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Whitman Area Toy Drive

Shout out to the Whitman Area Toy Drive, Donnie Westhaver, and the Whitman Police for another successful toy drive!

Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AuDegicJC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Package thief Caught

Shout out to the Whitman Police and Sgt Burtt-Henderson for catching a package thief right before the Holidays! 

Press release: https://jgpr.net/2024/12/18/whitman-police-arrest-and-charge-man-with-stealing-packages/