Dighton Selectmen Tackle School Budget Challenges

Overview: The Dighton Board of Selectmen held a meeting that primarily concentrated on financial challenges, most notably the school budget which has implications for the town’s fiscal planning. The school budget, representing 40% of the entire town budget and estimated at around $55 million, is facing a deficit due to the expiration of federal funding and potential shortfalls in state funding, necessitating an additional $750,000 in revenue per year to cover proposed increases.

Hampden Commission Approves Pool and Solar Projects, Deliberates Pole Installation

Overview: The Hampden Conservation Commission recently approved a pool permit for a property on Wilbraham Road and a solar installation project on Glendale Road, while also engaging in a detailed review of an extensive pole installation and replacement project presented by the Massachusetts Electric Company. The commission emphasized adherence to conditions designed to minimize environmental impacts, with discussions also centered around the acquisition of a 4.5-acre property known as Mount Vision.

Dighton Commission Addresses Solar Project Drainage Concerns

Overview: The most recent meeting of the Dighton Stormwater Commission focused on issues with the Brook Street solar project, with standing water in basins drawing particular concern. Weston and Sampson Engineering provided a summary of their review, highlighting deviations from the permitted design and suggesting that reconfiguration of the basins may be necessary to address the identified drainage problems. The commission requested further analysis, including soil logs and modeling, to determine the most appropriate solution.

Townsend Energy Committee Navigates Complex Energy Initiatives

Overview: The Townsend Energy Committee recently convened to deliberate on a range of energy and environmental initiatives, focusing on the complexities of grant programs, solar energy adoption, and the need for enhanced community engagement and volunteer support. The committee grappled with the intricacies of the Green Communities Grant, debating the merits of LED lighting incentives for public buildings and expressing concerns over the lack of clarity regarding the grant’s updated quote and participation timeline. Furthermore, discussions revealed a pressing need for more information on the Mass Save program’s applicability to commercial and industrial properties.

Franklin School Board Tackles Budget and Discipline in Marquee Meeting

Overview: The Franklin (Somerset County) School Board’s recent meeting was dominated by discussions concerning the preliminary budget for fiscal year 2025, which encompassed provisions for program maintenance and expansion despite fiscal challenges. Additionally, the board deliberated on a new approach to student discipline, the addition of staff, and the success of their solar panel initiative.