June Whitman Updates

Special Town Meeting

Whitman’s Special Town meeting made a few changes to the Select Board’s proposed cuts to the FY26 operating budget following the failed override, but largely adopted it as recommended by the Finance Committee.

Express article: https://whitmanhansonexpress.com/officials-present-new-budget-seek-decorum/

WHCA recording: https://youtu.be/Cz6Y2HIHZgE?si=y0giszm83XsR7mST

Service changes

Some of the changes you’ll see: reduced staffing in the Clerks office and Assessors office; the Clerk is closing the office on Thursdays. Reduced staffing in the DPW, Library, and Senior Center. We expect those to reduce hours for the library and the DPW leaf pile. Reduced hours in the Health Dept. Fewer programs from the recreation department, including the cancellation of the July 4th event. An increase in athletic fees at the High School. And a decision on funding public safety shifts will likely be presented to a fall special town meeting.

Clerk’s announcement: https://www.whitman-ma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1311

Library hours: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1YnaJkfwsz/

School Budget approved

A few weeks later, Hanson’s Special Town meeting approved the updated WHRSD operating assessment, avoiding sending the district to a 1/12th budget for July.

Express article: https://whitmanhansonexpress.com/someone-call-guiness/

June Events

Whitman 150th Parade

To celebrate its 150th birthday Whitman threw the biggest parade in the Towns history. A huge thank you to the 150th Committee!!

*Officials marching in the parade: Congressman Stephen Lynch, State Senator Michael Brady, Selectman Justin Evans, Town Administrator Mary Beth Carter, and Elmo*

Express article: https://whitmanhansonexpress.com/duval-teahan-are-whitman-150-parade-grand-marshals/

Photos from Gabby Kenney: photos.app.goo.gl/HVLvZgR8wuHP69q27?fbclid=IwY2xjawLVT1JleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFIeTdzZXpLSlRyU3BmRklRAR63MX1Js85vqRftSwEu1xdLQbcSin67riX_VvBxms7s4qW3r-JpeQDzUBViTg_aem_A5IdWwanMFnvy3gzWuD4yw

Rededication of the WW1 Memorial Arch

The restoration of the WW1 Arch outside the fire station was completed using Community Preservation Funds, and a rededication was held tying that piece of history into the town’s 150th celebrations.