Dunstable Board Advances Legal Fight Over Water Contaminant

Overview: In a move to address the presence of PFAS contaminants in Dunstable’s drinking water, the Board of Selectmen voted to enter into a legal services agreement with Napoli Schnek during their recent meeting. This agreement is aimed at investigating and assessing potential claims against companies that produce PFAS, a persistent and potentially harmful chemical found in the town’s water supply.

Dunstable Approves Consultant for Municipal Electricity Program

Overview: The Dunstable Board of Selectmen approved a consultant agreement with Mass Power Choice LLC during their recent meeting, a move that will lead to the creation of a municipal electricity aggregation program for the town. This program is intended to provide residents with the option of selecting lower-cost electricity suppliers and is an effort to manage energy costs within the community.

Dunstable Board Tackles School Budget Crisis and Curriculum Concerns

Overview: In a recent Dunstable Board of Selectmen meeting, one notable issue discussed was the budget crisis facing the district, demanding a transparent and collaborative approach for resolution. The board grappled with the challenge of maintaining high-quality education standards amid financial constraints, debating potential budget cuts, and the necessity of a recent override. The meeting also featured a robust dialogue on the effectiveness of the district’s literacy curriculum and the role of the school committee in curriculum evaluation.

Dunstable Board Tackles CPA Fund Transparency and Budget Constraints

Overview: The Dunstable Board of Selectmen meeting on April 23rd, 2024, centered on issues affecting the town’s fiscal management and community resources. Top on the agenda was the need for greater transparency regarding Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds, a discussion that acknowledged the necessity for clearer communication to the public about how these funds are allocated and their non-impact on the town’s budget or tax rates. The board committed to compiling a list of projects funded by CPA for public reference, addressing concerns over the state’s matching funds and the implications of the 3% surcharge, including the potential for reductions for senior citizens.

Dunstable Debates Budget and Municipal Override Vote

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Dunstable Board of Selectmen grappled with the town’s fiscal challenges, centering the discussion on the FY 25 operating budget and the possibility of a municipal override vote. The Selectmen were divided on whether to pursue a municipal-only override or include the school district in the vote. The potential impact on the police and fire departments, should the budget not be supported, was a concern. The town’s relationship with the school district and the implications for the town’s credit rating were also discussed, as well as the messaging conveyed by not pursuing an override vote.