Town Meeting approved Article 24, rescinding the application of state Civil Service laws for the Hingham Fire Department. The move is part of a negotiated agreement intended to give the town more control over the hiring and promotion process.

The transition includes an appropriation of $390,000 for one-time payments to current members who agreed to the change. Proponent Jack Manning told the hall that the town has been handcuffed by Civil Service lists and needs more flexibility to hire the best and brightest. Despite some questions regarding the cost of the payments, the article passed with a majority vote.

Motion: To rescind Civil Service for the Fire Department and appropriate $390,000 for payments.

Vote: Passed