Hanson Select Board Signs Town Meeting Warrant, Approves Executive Separation

HANSON — April 15, 2025 — Hanson Select Board approved the separation of its executive secretary and signed the annual town meeting warrant ahead of a May 5 override vote. The board unanimously approved the departure of Executive Secretary Lynn McDow and signed the 29-article warrant, which includes a $275,000 free-cash appropriation for anticipated legal costs if the Attorney General sues over the town's MBTA Communities Act non-compliance, a proposed water department enterprise fund, and a town clerk salary increase from $80,000 to $82,400 for FY26. Formal recommendations will be withheld until the April 29 meeting pending Finance Committee input. The board confirmed three public budget forums — April 22 and April 30 at Hanson Middle School and April 24 at the senior center — with school Superintendent Simonac committed to providing representation and materials. Select Board Chair FitzGibbon said the forums are "not trying to sell anybody on anything — just the facts," and noted a consultant-driven 40R zoning plan is advancing on a parallel track as a potential alternative to MBTA Communities Act compliance.