James Callahan

The Finance Committee and Select Board conducted a joint meeting to facilitate budget reviews. During this session, representatives from various municipal departments, including the Cemetery Committee, Department of Public Works, Water and Sewer, Fire Department, Treasurer and Collector, Town Clerk, Library, and Assessors, presented their budget proposals. They provided detailed explanations regarding requests for new or increased funding. Additionally, the committee reviewed other town accounts in preparation for finalizing the upcoming fiscal budget.

Key discussions during the meeting included finalizing the March 1 newsletter content. In new business, it was noted that Lois Murry is retiring from assisting with the foot clinic reservations, and Alice volunteered to take over this responsibility, noting the fee increase to $45 for a 20-minute session. Planning was discussed for upcoming free Winter Wellness Arts and Crafts activities in March. Luncheon plans were reviewed, including the February event featuring Isaac Shares as a speaker, and tentative plans for subsequent months through November, covering topics like choking prevention, a super senior party, sing-alongs, and presentations by Dan Kauffman. A motion to adjourn the meeting was carried out at 6:26 PM.

The meeting commenced with a Select Board hearing concerning whether the Town of Hinsdale should opt out of participating in early voting by mail for the May 23, 2026, annual town election. The board subsequently moved to appoint Michael Perkins and Jason Breault as part-time officers. In ongoing business, authorization was granted for a representative to sign the FFD Enterprises HCA Renewal agreement. Reports detailed ongoing regional grant applications for unpaved roads and dam mapping, work on filter bed re-sanding estimates, budget preparation for upcoming meetings, and a recommendation to submit a letter to the Governor regarding rural aid.

The Finance Committee meeting focused primarily on the Superintendent's tentative budget presentation for the upcoming fiscal year, which was reduced from an initial over 9% increase to 4.9%. Key discussion points included the low increase in Chapter 70 State Funds, Hinsdale's enrollment increase contrasting with a 15% statewide decline, and necessary repairs for Kittredge School, specifically addressing leaking gym floors and overdue painting. Reductions discussed included eliminating the one-to-one Chromebook program, and impacts on teachers' contracts, preschool, class sizes, staffing, and school choice. Concerns were raised regarding administrative overhead, which the Superintendent defended as necessary for mandated safety and due process compliance. The committee expressed concern that the school budget assessment increase was unaffordable given the town's immediate financial pressures, such as police staffing issues, infrastructure needs (new Fire Truck, highway staff, culvert replacement), and environmental concerns (Plunkett Lake spillway). The Town Administrator later presented the FY27 budget planning calendar, noting the Annual Town Meeting date and upcoming departmental budget meetings. Infrastructure updates included the anticipated completion of the George Schnopp Road project, the closure of the Old Windsor bridge for state repairs, and plans for the multi-stage New Windsor Road project. Additionally, an Interim Police Chief was appointed, and a temporary replacement for the recently deceased Conservation Agent was sought.

Key discussions included the Director's report detailing the appointment of a new assistant, training arrangements, the donation of Beanie Babies, issues with the heating system requiring a reset, and reorganization of the seating and printing areas, noting current printer problems requiring IT assistance. The Board established an account with L.P. Adams Lumber for material procurement and confirmed Green Collar forms were submitted, anticipating approximately $3000.00 in scheduled work. New business covered the Director considering further education at Berkshire Community College, the Board's unanimous appointment of Sarah Welch as Interim Librarian, and a request for suggestions for the next meeting, possibly involving the Old Towne Hall. Old business addressed follow-up on securing assistance for the Library website, ongoing efforts to resolve heating issues which included considering an entryway curtain and modifying the automatic door, and requests for a fee-based furnace filter change demonstration. The Board also noted interest in participating in the Festival of Trees pending receipt of detailed information.