Taunton School Committee Faces Criticism Over High School Bus Incident and Procurement Card Transparency

Overview: During a recent meeting of the Taunton School Committee, two issues dominated the discussion: the distressing incident at Taunton High School involving the abrupt cancellation of Gatra bus services and concerns about the transparency of procurement card expenses. The meeting, which included various agenda items, saw passionate appeals from both parents and committee members for improvements in communication and financial reporting.

Dunstable Board Weighs Town Administrator’s New Consulting Role Amid Busy Agenda

Overview: The recent Dunstable Board of Selectmen meeting covered a range of topics, including the approval of a new part-time police officer, discussions on local infrastructure projects, and the appointment of community members to town committees. Another noteworthy topic was the board’s decision regarding Town Administrator Jason Silva’s potential consulting role with the Town of Townsend, which required careful consideration of ethical and practical implications.

Ridgewood Council Grapples with Expensive Mandated Property Reassessment and Rising Departmental Budgets

Overview: During a recent Ridgewood Council meeting, discussions centered on budgetary challenges, including a costly mandated property reassessment scheduled for 2027 and rising departmental expenses. The council examined how these financial commitments would impact the municipal budget, with particular attention given to the reassessment’s projected $500,000 cost, potentially leading to a special emergency resolution to spread the payment over five years.

Hawthorne Secures Nearly $2 Million in Federal Funding for Infrastructure Projects

Overview: The recent Hawthorne Borough Council meeting was marked by the announcement of almost $2 million in federal funding to address infrastructure needs, including repairs to the Lincoln Avenue sewer line and improvements to the sewer pump station on Wagawa Road. In addition, the council tackled a variety of issues, including the contentious affordable housing mandates, sustainable community initiatives, and public safety regulations.

Westport Board of Health Grapples with Staffing Shortages Amid Flu Surge and Drought Concerns

Overview: The recent Westport Board of Health meeting on January 21, 2026, tackled issues such as staffing shortages impacting public health functions, rising influenza cases, ongoing drought conditions, and the complexities of septic system installations. The board focused on maintaining essential services while addressing operational limitations and environmental challenges.