Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Regional Governance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Petition urging study or elimination of Plymouth County government passed over after debate
Summary
A petition asking Hanover to send a letter urging the legislature to study or eliminate Plymouth County government drew extended debate on costs, liabilities and services. A motion to refer the matter to a select‑board‑appointed committee failed on a hand and ballot count; the main motion was then passed over (no action).
Rachel Hughes moved that Town Meeting transmit a letter to state legislators urging study and potential elimination or restructuring of Plymouth County government, arguing the county’s responsibilities have shrunk and that a legislative study is timely.
Speakers debated whether the town should send a letter now or first commission a study committee to analyze legal, operational and taxpayer impacts. Concerns included potential liabilities if counties are abolished (recall of prior county abolitions and recovery plans under MGL chapter 34B), the distribution of assets and debt, and the county’s role during COVID and other regional programs. A motion by Nick Spalcino to refer the matter to a Select‑Board‑appointed committee for study failed on a voice/hand count and then a ballot count (110 voters: 53 yes, 57 no). The subsequent main motion was passed over (Town Meeting took no further action).
