By Beth David, Editor
The Fairhaven Select Board voted to approve the appointment of Carla Mourao as Treasurer/Collector at its meeting on 3/23/26.
Ms. Mourao has more than 30 years of experience in related positions, including as an Assistant Treasurer/Collector, and currently as Treasurer/Collector in Somerset.
“I have the heart, work ethic, and dedication you need to get the job done,” said Ms. Mourao. “Both professionally and personally I’ve always strived to achieve my full potential as well as inspire others to do the same.”
Select Board Chairperson, Charles Murphy, said she came highly recommended by several people, including George Samia, who served as Interim TA in Fairhaven.
Town Administrator Keith Hickey said he reached to Ms. Mourao at the recommendation of Mr. Samia.
After speaking with Ms. Mourao, Mr. Hickey quickly arranged for her to go in and meet Assistant Town Administrator of Finance, Town Accountant, Anne Carreiro, and Pam Bettencourt, who is retiring from the position, but has been covering the office until the town found someone.
Mr. Hickey said they were so “pleasantly surprised” at her accomplishments and work ethic.
“I think she’s going to be a perfect fit with the cast of characters we already have here,” said Mr. Hickey. “And step right in and do a fabulous job.”
The board voted unanimously to approve the appointment. She will start on 4/6.
In another matter, the board read a proclamation to Patrick Timothy Fleming recognizing him for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
Mr. Fleming’s Eagle Scout project was replacing the ceiling tiles in the basement hall at St. Mary’s church in Fairhaven, which is where Troop 52 meets.
“This prestigious accomplishment represents years of dedication, leadership, and service to both the community and the Town of Fairhaven,” reads the citation. “Your commitment to the values of citizenship, character, and service reflects great credit upon yourself, your family, your troop, and the community you proudly serve.”
Mr. Fleming was not able to attend the meeting, but his father, Timothy, did address the board. He said his son is the first to achieve Eagle Scout for Troop 52, but there are other right behind him. He said the troop has “positive momentum,” and Bob Dorgan is still the Scout Master.
Mr. Fleming said the Scouts do a lot for the community.
The younger Fleming’s Court of Honor will be on April 9, at 7 p.m., at St. Mary’s basement hall.
The board also approved an increase in docking fees at Union Wharf North Side at the recommendation of the Marine Resources Committee.
Harbormaster, Tim Cox, said they have upgraded that side. The new fee, $2305.05, will be the same as the south side.
SB member Andrew Saunders, who is also the board’s liaison to MRC, said fees in other places such as New Bedford, are much lower.
He said they should look into raising rates.
Mr. Cox said he will get the rates from everybody and bring it back to the committee.
The board also discussed the budget but did not take any votes on it or on Town Meeting articles. They decided to add a meeting to the schedule on 3/30.
In other business the board:
• Appointed Emily Gauger to the Economic Development Committee.
• Approved a one-day all alcohol license for Hanami Tea House for a special event on 3/29
• Agreed
• Voted to participate in a new opioid settlement.
During the public comment period Bob Espindola told the board it was critically important to provide taxpayers with a full picture when talking about possible override of Proposition 2 1/2. He reminded the boart that the town is also looking at a debt exclusion to borrow millions to build a public safety complex. He said voters should not be asked to make decisions in stages.
Also during public comment, Jessica Botelho made a pitch to keep the animal shelter open. She said animal shelters are a necessary part of a community from a public safety and health standpoint. They manage strays and disease transmission, such as rabies.
She left them with a Ghandi quote: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
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