4+ hour, 4+ min ago  (359+ words) Across Massachusetts, a quiet financial catastrophe is forcing local governments to make agonizing choices. Cities, towns, and school districts are grappling with a "budget nightmare" driven by staggering health insurance premium hikes, which are typically rising between 10% and 20%, and in…...

4+ day, 2+ hour ago  (337+ words) The most "spirited" portion of the meeting centered on the Hingham Center for Active Living (HCAL). Member Brenda Black, leading the HCAL liaison team, presented a sobering analysis of alternative scenarios for the senior center project. [31:41] While some residents have…...

5+ day, 2+ hour ago  (270+ words) The meeting also featured the annual performance evaluation of Town Administrator Doug Lapp. The board issued a glowing "consensus review," rating his performance between "achieved" and "exceeded." Members praised his "steady, ethical leadership" and his ability to navigate complex fiscal…...

2+ week, 4+ day ago  (361+ words) To address the gap, Lapp is recommending a series of painful reductions. These include leaving several personnel positions vacant, specifically in the highway, tree, parks, and collector's departments. [01:09:38] Other significant cuts include: $100,000 from highway materials and hired equipment, which will…...

2+ mon, 2+ week ago  (523+ words) Town Manager Derek Brindisi and Finance Director Lynne Barrett presented a sobering financial picture to the Board, dominated by what Barrett called a "perfect storm" of rising healthcare costs. The primary driver is a projected 14% increase in health insurance premiums,…...

2+ mon, 3+ week ago  (613+ words) Town Manager Derek Brindisi delivered a stark financial update to the Select Board on Tuesday night, revising the Fiscal Year 2027 budget outlook he presented just weeks ago. While initial projections were tight, new data reveals that health insurance premiums are…...