Hampden Board of Selectmen Deliberates on Budget Increases, School Resource Officer, and Infrastructure Concerns

Overview: During the March 2, 2026, meeting of the Hampden Board of Selectmen, several issues were addressed, including substantial budget increases related to health insurance and benefits, the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, and town infrastructure needs.

North Middlesex Regional School Committee Faces Heated Debate on Meeting Minutes and Celebrates Staff Recognition

Overview: The North Middlesex Regional School Committee meeting on February 24th tackled several issues, from debates over meeting minutes to recognizing district staff achievements. The committee engaged in discussions about the accuracy and detail of their meeting minutes, while also commending staff for their exceptional contributions amid challenging weather conditions.

Medford School Committee Advances Facilities Projects with Rebates and New Construction Plans

Overview: The Medford School Committee meeting on March 2, 2026, covered developments in school facilities projects, educational program updates, and adjustments in the academic calendar. Notably, substantial rebates from National Grid were announced, contributing to ongoing efforts to upgrade HVAC systems and reduce emissions. Additionally, the committee decided to adopt a construction management at-risk approach for future school construction projects.

Brainerd City Council to Modify Redevelopment Agreement for Crescent Electric Lease

Overview: The Brainerd City Council has decided to modify a redevelopment agreement to accommodate Crescent Electric’s lease of a facility initially designated for automotive services. This decision follows the vacating of the Royal Tire facility by its previous occupant, necessitating a change from its original use to avoid defaulting on the terms of a tax increment financing (TIF) district agreement.

Washington Township Council Reviews 2026 Budget with Focus on Fiscal Responsibility and Cost-Saving Measures

Overview: The Washington Township Council convened to deliberate on the 2026 municipal budget, highlighting a commitment to fiscal responsibility amidst rising expenses. The proposed budget totals $17,199,415, marking an increase from the previous year’s $16,534,935. This rise is primarily due to higher interest rates on a 2025 bond anticipation note and state-mandated payments, including insurance and pension contributions. Despite these challenges, the budget adheres to a 2% tax levy cap and a 3.5% appropriations cap.