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Whitman Select Board - June 17, 2026 Meeting
Published: Jun 17, 2026
Municipal Aggregation Program Secures Lower Electricity Rates for Residents
The Board of Selectmen addressed the residential basic service rate for electricity, noting that National Grid has filed a rate of $0.1729 per kilowatt-hour for August 1st through January 31st. Whitman's municipal aggregation program, through Good Energy, has secured a rate of $0.14184 per kilowatt-hour, resulting in a saving of $0.03106 per kilowatt-hour compared to National Grid's rate. A note was made that one component of National Grid's rate is pending final approval by the Department of Public Utilities, which could slightly alter the final National Grid rate. The municipal aggregation rate is locked in for a longer term, providing stability. The board was also reminded that this rate applies only to the supply side of the bill.
Informal Budget Work Group to Focus on Financial Policy Development
The board discussed the formation of a budget work group to review financial policy and management. Initially, the idea of a formal subcommittee was considered, but concerns about open meeting laws and staff time led to a consensus to keep the work informal. The group, initially proposed as a two-person subcommittee of Sean and Don, would focus on researching and recommending financial policies, with all decisions and votes ultimately occurring at the full board level in open meetings. They agreed to use this informal approach, with members doing individual research and sharing findings to maintain transparency and efficiency. The group will focus on financial policy, with the potential for separate discussions on financial management reviews.
Veteran Service Officer Resigns; Board Debates Regionalization vs. Local Position
The Board of Selectmen accepted the resignation of Declan Wear, the town's Veteran Service Officer (VSO), who has accepted a position in a neighboring district. The board discussed the possibility of regionalizing VSO services with other towns as a cost-saving measure, citing examples of successful regionalization in towns like Hanson/Hanover and Kingston/Duxbury. However, concerns were raised about maintaining a strong local presence and personalized service for veterans, especially given the potential for reimbursement of veteran benefits. While acknowledging the trend towards regionalization, the board ultimately decided to post the VSO position as is, with a recommendation to seek Declan Wear's feedback on the potential benefits and drawbacks of regionalization before making a final decision. Rosemary Hanahill emphasized the importance of local VSO presence for veteran outreach and benefit access, noting that 75% of veteran benefits are reimbursed to the town.
Town Considers Extended Liquor License Hours Under New State Pilot Program
The Board of Selectmen reviewed the town's current policies regarding liquor licenses and the potential to extend hours under a new state law. The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) law allows municipalities to opt into a pilot program to extend liquor license hours until 2:00 a.m. (currently 1:00 a.m.) and permit public consumption in designated districts during the summer of 2026. Whitman does not currently have designated areas for public consumption, and only one establishment inquired about extending hours, with potential concerns about the cost of police details. As no establishments have formally requested extensions and the pilot program is temporary, the board took no immediate action but acknowledged it as a future consideration.
Town Board Approves Budget Line-Item Transfers Amidst Fiscal Year-End Adjustments
The Board of Selectmen discussed and approved several line-item transfers to cover budget deficits for the upcoming year. These transfers included funds for the library, police department, and vocational transportation. The transfers were presented by Mary Beth, with explanations for each item's necessity due to estimated expenses and pending bills. The board also discussed the consolidated budget process and how it impacts year-end transfers. The police department transfer was questioned regarding the availability of backup documentation for expenses, with assurances that such information would be provided as it became available.
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The Whitman News archive
Whitman Conservation Commission - June 16, 2026 meeting
Whitman Zoning Board of Appeals - June 15, 2026 meeting
Whitman Recreation Commission - June 11, 2026 Meeting.
Whitman OSRP Implementation Committee - June 11, 2026 Meeting
Whitman Aid to the Elderly and Disabled Taxation Fund Committee - June 10, 2026 meeting
Whitman Housing Authority - June 8, 2026 meeting
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