Voters at Monday’s annual town meeting face a number of spending proposals, most significantly, the Fiscal 2023 budget of $45.4 million as proposed by Town Manager Philip Lemnios.
The overall budget figure represents a $1.9 million, or 4.32%, increase over the current year’s spending. Lemnios recommended a general government budget of $12.1 million and $16.3 million for the Hull Public Schools.
The percentage increases in departmental allocations vary, the town manager indicated, depending upon the needs of the governmental function. For example, the town manager recommended a 3% increase in the Hull Public Schools budget, while the Conservation Department, which is adding a position, will climb by 56.6%.
In addition to adding to the Conservation Department, the budget would add staffing to the Community Development and council on aging, Lemnios said.
The full warrant with Advisory Board recommendations, is available on the town’s website, www.town.hull.ma.us.
In summary:
Article 1 asks voters to accept the annual reports of the town departments.
Article 2 contains a series of housekeeping votes that are required each year to operate the town’s government.
Article 3 sets the salaries for selectmen, moderator, town clerk, assessors and light commissioner.
Article 4 is the overall FY23 budget.
Article 5 would appropriate funds for unpaid bills from the previous fiscal year, if any.
Article 6 approves the allocation of the Community Preservation Act property tax surcharge and also would fund several projects, including $4,000 for beach signage, $30,000 for the Straits Pond walking path, $57,000 for a new Village Playground, $62,607 for a new Green Hill Playground, $73,750 for a new playground at Jones/Friend Park, $78,000 for the Hull Lifesaving Museum, and $165,000 for scoping out the restoration of the historic Village Fire Station.
Article 7 seeks approval for the town to explore bonding in order to meet pension obligations.
Article 8 transfers $1.2 million in previously approved spending for repairs at the sewer plant.
Article 9 would appropriate $1 million for phase one of work on the seawall at Nantasket Avenue near Fitzpatrick Way.
Articles 10 and 11 outline changes to the zoning bylaws required by the state to encourage housing construction in communities served by the MBTA.
Article 12 proposes a land swap for a section of town-owned land at the former Sunset Marine property at Allerton with a parcel used for beach access at the intersection of Fitzpatrick Way. Lemnios said the article likely will not be acted upon due to a dispute among the owners of the property at 839-845 Nantasket Ave.
Article 13 seeks $1.4 million from the Harbor Enterprise Account to dredge the area around Nantasket Pier.
Article 14 would appropriate $450,000 to replace seven pieces of equipment in the Department of Public Works.
Article 15 seeks $525,000 to complete closure of the town dump.
Article 16 would approve $2.2 million for the renovation of the Fort Revere water tower.
Article 17 seeks to establish electronic voting at town meeting (see Moderator George Boylen’s explanation of the process elsewhere in this issue).
Articles 18 and 19 propose offering property-tax discounts to qualified veterans.
Article 20 asks for approval for the town to enter into long-term leases with businesses currently operating on town-owned property, namely Jake’s Seafood Restaurant, Steamboat Wharf Marina, and Mezzo Mare restaurant.
Article 21 changes the regulations governing the War Memorial Commission.
Article 22 seeks up to $100,000 to study potential changes to town building usage if the long-discussed plan to consolidate school buildings is enacted.
