Shutesbury Select Board Commends Officer for Heroic Intervention in Potential Tragedy

Overview: During the recent Shutesbury Select Board meeting, the board extended a commendation to Sergeant Peltier for his life-saving intervention, addressed the appointment of a new Town Administrator search committee member, and deliberated on budget concerns for an administrative position. The discussions also included communication with the Department of Conservation and Recreation and logistical issues surrounding town email systems.

Shutesbury Faces Rising Health Insurance Costs Amid Tight Budget Planning

Overview: The Shutesbury Finance Committee meeting tackled several pressing financial issues, with the primary focus being a significant proposed increase in the town’s health insurance costs. The discussion centered on a projected 15% rise in the health insurance budget for Fiscal Year 2026, driven by an uptick in the use of weight loss drugs and the depletion of the insurance trust’s reserves. The Treasurer, Ryan, emphasized that while the estimate was precautionary, the actual increase could be closer to 13%. This projection translated into a substantial cost increase from $446,585 in FY 2024 to a proposed $598,000 in FY 2026.

Shutesbury Personnel Board Considers New Town Administrator Search Strategies and Administrative Role Overhaul

Overview: The Shutesbury Personnel Board meeting concentrated on issues such as strategies for the Town Administrator search, revamping the administrative assistant role, and refining the town’s documentation processes. The board unanimously appointed Kathy as the official representative for the Town Administrator search.

Sunderland Select Board Discusses Sanctuary City Status and Board of Health Fee Changes

Overview: During the Sunderland Select Board meeting, it was confirmed that Sunderland is a sanctuary city, though the exact date of adoption was not specified. The board also reviewed a request from the Board of Health to introduce a $300 trash handling permit and increase the septic handling permit fee from $200 to $300.

Whately Board of Assessors Debates Farm Animal Excise Tax Amid Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Preparations

Overview: The Whately Board of Assessors convened on December 19, 2024, focusing on finalizing the fiscal year 2026 budget and deliberating over the potential elimination of the farm animal excise tax. With the Town Administrator requiring the proposed budget by the end of December, urgency characterized discussions, especially as the board would not meet again until the new year. Meanwhile, the excise tax discussions highlighted broader economic considerations for the local agricultural sector.