One of a notable topics was the presentation by a community member proposing the creation of an affordable housing trust to tackle the town’s rising housing costs. The proposal highlighted the dramatic increase in the median sales price of single-family homes in Shutesbury from $157,000 in 2000 to $475,000 in 2024. The board discussed two main options: establishing an affordable housing trust fund to administer programs like down payment assistance and partnering with an organization called Lever to hire a dedicated housing coordinator. This dual approach aims to provide the town with the flexibility to respond to housing needs without the constraints of the annual town meeting process. The board was urged to consider the limited resources available and the need for a coordinated strategy to make housing more affordable for residents.

Additionally, the board discussed the formation of a community meeting to assess public interest in the proposed trust fund. They considered inviting an expert from the Massachusetts Housing Partnership to share successful examples from other rural communities. The importance of addressing housing affordability was underscored, with the recognition that many individuals desire to live in Shutesbury but are financially unable to do so.

In parallel, the meeting addressed the complexities of the regional school district budget, which saw an atypical 7.7% increase in assessments due to the statutory method’s implementation. This change resulted in increases for some communities, such as Leverett and Pelham, which faced 14% and 22% rises, respectively. The board noted that while this spike is challenging, it could lead to more stable assessments in the future. Despite the budget being $812,000 below level service, the board acknowledged ongoing financial issues, including declining enrollment and insufficient state funding through Chapter 70.

Concerns about security at town facilities were also brought to light, with discussions on the installation of interior security cameras at town hall and the Highway Department. Board members expressed surprise and raised questions about privacy, policy, and the management of camera systems. The board recognized the need for a clear policy addressing access to footage, data retention, and staff involvement in the decision-making process. The suggestion to circulate existing policies from other municipalities was made as a step towards creating a Shutesbury-specific policy.

The board also voted to appoint the town administrator as the ADA coordinator, a necessary step to apply for an ADA accessibility grant. This grant could fund various improvements, including digital accessibility audits and audiovisual equipment. The lack of sound amplification in town facilities was highlighted, with the grant potentially addressing such issues.

Furthermore, the meeting included updates from the Lake Wyola Boating and Safety Review Committee regarding proposed amendments to lake bylaws. The committee is working on educational initiatives to improve lake usage and safety before summer. Proposed changes include signage displaying bylaws, distributing educational materials, and potential time restrictions for motorboats to create a calmer environment for swimmers and paddlers.

The board also tackled administrative matters, including the urgency of finalizing town meeting warrant articles and discussions on the administrative assessor position. The current administrative structure’s effectiveness was questioned, leading to a motion to approve a reviewed job description for the role. The finance committee presented an updated budget, reflecting a 5.9% increase from the previous fiscal year, with discussions on the budget’s drivers and the town’s approach to leveraging cash reserves and tax levies.