Meeting Notes

Hardwick Select Board Addresses Conservation, Fiscal Strategy, and Community Operations

10/15/24 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting

1h 4m

The Hardwick Select Board meeting on October 15, 2024, covered a range of municipal issues, beginning with a detailed discussion on a conservation restriction request from the East Quabbin Land Trust, emphasizing perpetuity clauses and public access. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to developing a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) policy for tax-exempt organizations, driven by concerns over the increasing tax burden on residents and the need for equitable sharing of service costs. The Town Administrator provided a comprehensive update on a new, transparent budget process for FY26 and reported on various town initiatives, including grant applications, infrastructure projects, and departmental staffing. The board also approved trick-or-treating hours, polling locations, and election warrants, and discussed the necessity of an event form for liability purposes. The meeting concluded with updates on town services, a recycling center leak, and a Poinsettia delivery program.