September Whitman Updates
Whitman Community Electricity Program Launches
Whitman officially launched its Community Electricity program in October with rates locked in through December 2029. The program offers two options: Whitman Standard at 14.184¢/kWh (below National Grid's current 15.484¢/kWh rate) and Whitman Plus at 15.029¢/kWh with 100% renewable energy. Eligible National Grid customers were automatically enrolled unless they opted out by September 22. The town contracted with Dynegy Energy Services East LLC to provide the service, offering price stability for 50 months.
South Shore News article: https://www.southshore.news/p/whitman-launches-municipal-electricity
Select Board September Meetings
The Select Board met twice in September, addressing several significant items:
New Police Officers Sworn In Officers Aidan Cafferty and Derek McCartney were officially sworn in after graduating from the 78th Regional Officer Candidate program at Plymouth Police Academy. Both officers are currently undergoing field training.
Crossing Guard Retirement The Board honored retiring crossing guard Mary "Izzy" Cocchi, who served 11 years protecting schoolchildren at the busy Route 18 and Route 27 intersection.
Fire Union Contract Approved The Board unanimously approved a new three-year contract with Whitman Firefighters Local 1769, concluding what officials described as a complex negotiation process involving multiple parties.
Veterans Day Event Changes Veterans Service Officer Declan Ware announced plans to replace the traditional tri-town Veterans Day parade with a family-friendly indoor celebration at the Whitman VFW on November 9. The change was proposed due to aging veterans and hoping to attract young veterans and their families, November weather considerations, and declining participation from Abington. The event will include activities for children aimed at attracting younger veterans and encouraging membership in veterans organizations.
photo credit: Whitman Police
South Shore News articles: https://www.southshore.news/p/whitmans-veterans-officer-proposes and https://www.southshore.news/p/whitman-board-approves-new-three
WHCA video (Sept 23 meeting): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhitc4A4du0
School District Budget Deficit
The Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee voted 6-1 to authorize a $1.14 million transfer from Circuit Breaker funds to cover a fiscal year 2025 budget deficit. The shortfall was primarily driven by personnel overspending in special education support services, with paraprofessional and clerical positions exceeding budget by nearly $900,000. The transfer leaves only approximately $268,000 remaining in Circuit Breaker funds after the district had already committed $2 million to FY26 expenses. School Committee Chair Beth Stafford emphasized that more severe cuts may be necessary this year to prevent future deficits.
South Shore News article: https://www.southshore.news/p/whitman-hanson-faces-114-million
DPW Building Opens
The new DPW building officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 29. The $19 million facility was completed on schedule after receiving its substantial completion certificate earlier in the month. The department moved into the building in early September after final punch list items were addressed, including completion of contaminated soil removal from a previously leaking oil tank and parking lot paving. The new facility provides modern headquarters for the Department of Public Works after years of operating from outdated facilities.
photo credit: State Representative Alyson Sullivan-Almeida
WHCA recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhitc4A4du0
Missing Person Search
Whitman Police conducted a two-day search for missing 18-year-old Lexton Tobiaz, who left his home in early September. The search involved Massachusetts State Police, MSP Air Wing, SEMLEC and METROLEC Search & Rescue Teams, multiple K-9 units, Plymouth County Sheriff Department, Whitman Police and Fire Rescue personnel, the Whitman Emergency CERT Team, and neighboring towns. The individual was located safe and sound after two days.
South Shore News article: https://www.southshore.news/p/whitman-police-searching-for-missing
Facebook update: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DiVqKyxFC/
Upcoming Events
Select Board presentation on 40R zoning overlay: October 7
Veterans Day Celebration: November 9 at Whitman VFW