Hanover Leaders Address Fiscal Future at State of the Town

Local leaders gathered Tuesday morning for the annual State of the Town breakfast, hosted by the Hanover Chamber of Commerce, to address key fiscal issues facing the community — including the upcoming override vote, budget sustainability, and the town’s approach to long-term planning.

Held at Laura’s Center for the Arts at the South Shore YMCA’s Emilson branch, the event drew town officials, department heads, local business owners, and state legislators for a candid discussion on the town’s financial outlook and strategic priorities.

Select Board Chair Vanessa O’Connor opened with a discussion about the Select Board's decision to implement a split residential/commercial tax rate before transitioning to the proposed tax override heading to voters this spring.

“I recognize that it wasn’t a universally popular move, and I know the Chamber expressed opposition,” O’Connor said. “But I believe in leading with transparency, fairness, and an eye towards the future.”

O’Connor then turned her attention to the override proposal now before voters, emphasizing that the override — a reduced $3.7 million ask compared to last year’s failed $6 million proposal — is intended to preserve critical services like schools, public safety, and infrastructure.

“This override is about protecting our long-term vitality,” she said, while also inviting ongoing dialogue with the business community.

Rebuilding Trust After a Failed Vote

Hanover Town Manager Joseph Colangelo, who said he first raised the need for an override at this very breakfast two years ago, presented a clear contrast between this year’s proposal and last year’s failed effort.

“Last year’s override would’ve cost the average resident $1,200. This year, it’s under $400,” he said.

Colangelo outlined a series of cost-saving initiatives already implemented, including reducing the number of full-time town employees by 18, regionalizing emergency dispatch services, and shifting the transfer station to an enterprise fund.

Still, he warned of significant service reductions beginning in fiscal year 2027 if the override does not pass. Among the possible impacts: further cuts to public safety staffing, program reductions at the Council on Aging, and a potential reevaluation of the town library.

Schools at a Crossroads

Hanover Public Schools Superintendent Matt Ferron and Director of Finance and Operations for Hanover Public Schools Michael Oates described the consequences of last year’s override failure, which included the loss of 37 school staff and increases in class sizes across all grade levels.

Ferron stressed the importance of restoring electives, reducing class sizes, and expanding personal finance education — a curriculum area he says aligns closely with Hanover’s business-friendly culture.

“Our goal is to require all of our high school graduates to take a course in personal finance,” he said. “It’s real-world learning at the most important time.”

With more than 130 students enrolling in accounting courses and increasing demand for business-related electives, Ferron invited the local business community to partner with schools through guest lectures and program development.

Revenue Growth Predicted to be Minimal

Budget Director Jim Hoyes explained Hanover’s long-range financial forecast, noting that fixed costs are growing at a rate of 8–10% annually, while revenue growth is constrained to under 3%. Without new sources of revenue, including an override, the town faces growing structural deficits starting in FY27.

“These are choices and prioritizations and investment decisions that we make as a town,” Ho said. “And decisions we make today have implications for the next seven years.”

The town hopes to make the proposed override sustainable through 2032, when several large fixed costs are expected to fall off the books.

Community Spirit, With Eyes on the Future

The morning also featured a story of community impact from South Shore YMCA President Trevor Williams, who shared how the Y quickly stepped in to support a Hanover police officer recovering from injury, offering his family camp access and fitness services.

Event moderator Erin Richardson, president of the Hanover Chamber of Commerce, concluded with a reminder that the state of the town ultimately depends on engaged citizens and business owners working together.

“Hanover is where we live. It’s where we work. It’s where we build dreams,” she said. “Let’s keep the conversation going.”

Watch the full video here.