April 12, 2022 Submitted by the Town of Hingham
The Town of Hingham would like to share with the public important information on the Warrant Article relating to the Town-owned swimming pool at the South Shore Country Club that residents will vote on at the Annual Town Meeting on April 30 and if passed, a subsequent Ballot Vote at the Town Election May 14.
The article will ask residents to vote on a debt exclusion for a new swimming pool at SSCC. The Country Club Management Committee, Select Board and Advisory Committee unanimously voted in 2022 to support this project.
The original town pool was built in the 1950s and was subsequently upgraded in the 1980s. The pool has been closed indefinitely since the fall of 2019 due to structural weaknesses.
The Town began considering options for replacing the pool more than five years ago after receiving taxpayer Community Preservation approval for its redesign in both 2017 and 2020. The warrant article would help fund the construction of a new pool at the site.
The $8 million Debt Exclusion Vote will require a 2/3 affirmative vote from Town Meeting, and a subsequent Majority Ballot Vote at the following Town Election.
Subject to voter approval, the pool will be partially paid for through $550,000 in Community Preservation recommended funding. The remaining costs will be funded through a debt exclusion, which is a mechanism that allows a town to raise tax revenue for a fixed period of time above what is normally permitted.
The proposed facility includes a zero depth entry pool for emerging swimmers and seniors, a handicap accessible six lane lap pool and splash pad, and a bathhouse.
Hingham Recreation will continue to operate pool programs should the article be approved.
When operational, Hingham residents are given priority access to program registration through the pool. Non-Hingham residents have access to the pool as well through higher usage fees.
About Hingham's Annual Town Meeting
Hingham’s 2022 Annual Town Meeting will be held on Saturday, April 30, beginning at 2 p.m. It will be held outdoors at the multi-purpose turf field at Hingham High School.
The full Town Meeting Warrant is posted on the Town website. A hard copy will be mailed to every Hingham household in the coming weeks.
For residents with questions about the Town Meeting, helpful procedural information can be found on page 3 of the Warrant. The “Citizen’s Guide to Town Meeting” published by the State also has helpful information.
About Hingham's Annual Town Election
Hingham's 2022 Town Election will take place on May 14, which is two weeks after the April 30 Town Meeting to allow time for rain dates if needed. The polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at specified precincts in town.
This debt exclusion project will appear on the Ballot, requiring majority approval.