Sunderland Select Board Tackles Rising Health Insurance Costs Amid Budget Talks

Overview: The Sunderland Select Board meeting focused heavily on budget discussions, with rising health insurance costs and fire department funding taking center stage. The board addressed the need to increase firefighter wages and discussed the challenges of managing municipal budgets amid escalating personnel expenses and health insurance premiums.

Sunderland School Committee Discusses Immigration Policies and Budget Challenges

Overview: The Sunderland School Committee meeting on February 5, 2025, focused heavily on immigration enforcement policies within schools and the ongoing challenges surrounding the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The committee deliberated on ensuring student safety and privacy amidst potential immigration actions, while also addressing budgetary constraints due to rising costs in various areas.

Sunderland Select Board Discusses Sanctuary City Status and Board of Health Fee Changes

Overview: During the Sunderland Select Board meeting, it was confirmed that Sunderland is a sanctuary city, though the exact date of adoption was not specified. The board also reviewed a request from the Board of Health to introduce a $300 trash handling permit and increase the septic handling permit fee from $200 to $300.

Sunderland Board Tackles Budget Challenges and School Roof Costs Amid Decline in Volunteerism

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Sunderland Select Board grappled with budgetary constraints due to the expiration of ARPA funding, while making strides on anticipated capital projects such as the school roof replacement. The discussions also highlighted the town’s declining volunteerism and stagnant compensation for board members, which some argue is hindering civic engagement and participation.

Sunderland Grapples with Sewer Fee Increase and Unpaid Balances, Discusses Tax Rate Decisions

Overview: During the recent Sunderland Select Board meeting, the board focused on addressing an increase in unpaid sewer fees, which have risen from $66,000 last year to $77,000 this year. This surge is primarily attributed to one LLC, Lantern Court, which has 62 delinquent accounts. The board discussed the need to investigate this issue further and considered reaching out to the LLC to explore potential solutions such as a payment plan.