Shutesbury Tackles Budget Increases and Water Contamination Concerns

Overview: The Shutesbury Finance Committee met to discuss the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget, addressing increases in the town’s education expenses and the property tax impact while also grappling with the town’s infrastructure challenges, including water contamination issues and capital project funding. The proposed budget totals $7,428,000, marking a 4.5% increase over the previous year, with an average property tax bill projected to rise by $241.

Shutesbury Board of Health Negotiates Septic System Inspection Deferral

Overview: The Shutesbury Board of Health recently held a special meeting to address a request regarding a deferral of the Title 5 inspection for a property on South Laurel Drive. During the meeting, the Board proposed an agreement with conditions for deferring the mandatory septic system inspection. The buyers of the property at the center of the discussion are required to perform the inspection within six months of the sale, submit the inspection report and filing fee, and provide updates to the Board at intervals not exceeding three months. The Board emphasized that the dwelling on the property should not be occupied until a passing Title Five inspection report or a certificate of compliance is issued.

Shutesbury Mulls Over Electronic Voting and Rejects High-Cost EV Charger

Overview: In a recent Shutesbury Select Board meeting, discussions ranged from the potential implementation of electronic voting to the decision against a costly electric vehicle (EV) charger installation. The meeting saw the appointment of new Conservation Commission members and touched on topics such as regional school budget considerations and a request for support on a grant application aimed at improving town infrastructure.

Shutesbury Committee Tackles Stretch Code and Solar Energy Backups

Overview: The Shutesbury Climate Action Committee recently convened to address the implementation of the stretch code and the innovative use of a Ford Lightning vehicle as a battery backup for solar panels at the local library. During the meeting, members of the committee grappled with the nuances of the stretch code, particularly its implications for new home constructions and renovations, and the categorization of mixed fuel homes. Additionally, the committee discussed the potential for confusion at the upcoming town meeting and the necessity for a clear presentation that delineates the stretch code from the current building requirements.

Shutesbury Planning Board Addresses Legal Complaint in Executive Session

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Shutesbury Planning Board devoted attention to a legal complaint from Kohl’s against the town. The board decided to enter an executive session to discuss the matter, citing that an open session would be detrimental to the town’s position. The executive session was the most significant item on the agenda.