Towns explore regionalization

Boards of selectmen in Hamilton and Wenham are considering regionalizing their finance departments, which include accounting, treasury, benefits, and payroll. Under a temporary intermunicipal agreement reached earlier this month, Hamilton finance director Deborah Nippes-Menna and treasurer-collector Cheryl Booth have been working in the same capacity in Wenham, and will continue to do so until the end of the month. Nippes-Menna, Hamilton Town Manager Michael Lombardo, and Wenham Town Administrator Jeff Chelgren are working on a comprehensive report on regionalizing the departments. Lombardo said there are tentative plans to hold a joint board meeting on Dec. 6.