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Hardwick Select Board: Tax Rate, Solar, Trusts, and Governance

Original title: 11/10/25 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting

Meeting details

Date

November 11, 2025

Duration

1h 22m

How Minutes Were Generated

Generated from video audio when captions were unavailable

Transcript

Not available

Summary

The Hardwick Select Board addressed several key municipal matters, including the unanimous approval of a single tax rate of $12.74 for Fiscal Year 2026 and the appointment of Judy Corzic to the Master Plan Steering Committee. Significant discussion revolved around the Mary Lane Trust, with the Board learning that the Attorney General had already approved Baystate Health's "Convenient Care" proposal in Ware, leaving the town with no legal recourse but to pursue negotiations for local healthcare programs. The Board also approved a lease agreement for the Kearsarge Solar project, including a negotiated $100,000 upfront payment and specific termination clauses. Administrative items included the approval of past meeting minutes, a half-day closure for Thanksgiving, and updates on various town operations and personnel matters. A procedural concern was raised regarding the omission of several requested agenda items, prompting a call for policy development.

Discussion Highlights

  • The Board of Assessors recommended retaining a single tax rate for all property classes for Fiscal Year 2026, citing the town's largely residential nature and potential dramatic tax increases for commercial properties with a split rate.
  • Baystate Health's "Convenient Care" proposal in Ware, involving the Mary Lane Trust, was approved by the Attorney General without the town's prior knowledge, limiting the town's legal recourse.
  • The "Convenient Care" center is exclusively for existing Baystate Health patients, not urgent care, and is projected to operate at an annual deficit.
  • Baystate Health holds a one-star CMS rating and is reportedly seeking to acquire Mercy Hospital to improve its overall rating.
  • Negotiating with Baystate Health for specific local healthcare programs (e.g., telepharmacy, home visits) is considered the most viable path forward for the town regarding the Mary Lane Trust.
  • Approximately $40 billion in rural healthcare funding is available, with UMass and Baystate currently having access.
  • The Master Plan Steering Committee has 8 members out of a possible 11, with 2-3 open positions.
  • Schoolhouse #6, the last remaining one-room schoolhouse, was lost after the town delayed its transfer to the Historical Society for rehabilitation.
  • The Harford Historical Society holds approximately $600 in a "Schoolhouse Number Six Fund," which the town asserts belongs to it, and the Historical Commission seeks as "seed money."
  • A "mysterious amount of money" is held in a "Page School Trust" with an unclear history, purpose, and amount, potentially misdeposited library endowment funds.
  • 11 letters were sent to non-profits soliciting voluntary PILOT contributions, with only two early inquiries received and no other responses.
  • Eagle Hill School declined to renegotiate its PILOT agreement despite expanding, and the existing agreement does not contain a clause for renegotiation upon expansion.
  • Extensive debate occurred regarding the accuracy of the June 9th meeting minutes, with one board member alleging factual inaccuracies compared to the meeting recording.
  • The Kearsarge Solar project lease agreement was finalized, including a negotiated $100,000 upfront payment and specific termination conditions related to utility delays.
  • The developer for the Kearsarge Solar project is obligated to remove a gravel stockpile from the premises by the construction commencement date, estimated in two years.
  • The $100,000 upfront payment for the Kearsarge Solar project is non-refundable if the project fails to commence.
  • The Board supported Oakham's opposition to a proposed battery storage facility by signing a template letter.
  • The Town Administrator reported on grant reimbursements, job postings, the resignation of a Library Assistant, and ongoing updates to the personnel handbook.
  • A procedural concern was raised regarding the omission of four written agenda items submitted by a Select Board member, citing a violation of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 30A, Section 20B.

Decisions

  • The Selectmen will write a letter to the Harford Historical Society requesting an accounting of the "Schoolhouse Number Six Fund" money and its return to the Town of Harford.
  • The matter of the returned "Schoolhouse Number Six Fund" and its allocation to the Historical Commission will be placed on the Selectmen's next meeting agenda for discussion.
  • Mr. Cole will work with the new Town Accountant and Sarah Hunter to investigate the "Page School Trust" funds, clarify their history, amount, and potential uses.
  • The Board decided to invite Eagle Hill representatives for a conversation regarding the PILOT agreement.
  • Copies of both the old and new personnel handbooks will be provided to the Board.
  • The meeting regarding the ambulance service contract and senior center issues will be posted publicly and adjusted to 5:00 PM to accommodate a board member's schedule.
  • The Town Council agreed to the compromise regarding the $100,000 upfront payment for the Kearsarge Solar project, to be made within one year of lease signing or sooner if permitting commences.

Motions and Votes

  • To approve the single tax rate of $12.74 per $1,000 valuation, as set by the assessor.
    Passed unanimously.
  • To appoint Judy Corzic to the Master Plan Steering Committee.
    Passed unanimously.
  • To approve the June 9th meeting minutes as written.
    Passed.2 Ayes, 1 No
  • To approve the September 15th meeting minutes as written.
    Passed.3 Ayes
  • To approve the request to close municipal offices at 12:00 PM the day before Thanksgiving.
    Passed.2 Ayes
  • To accept the lease for the solar project subject to two amendments: 1) The $100,000 payment is non-refundable, due at the sooner of permitting or one year; 2) The lease shall terminate within five years, unless any inaction by the company is solely due to a utility delay.
    All in favor (Aye).
  • To sign the letter supporting Oakham's opposition to a proposed battery storage facility as written.
    All in favor (Aye).
  • To adjourn the meeting.
    Passed unanimously.Aye

Action Items

  • Neil and Select Board MemberReach out to UMass and explore that pathway, leveraging connections in Worcester County and Barry.
  • SelectmenDraft and send a letter to the Harford Historical Society requesting an accounting and return of the 'Schoolhouse Number Six Fund' money.
  • Historical CommissionDiscuss the matter at their next meeting and, if they wish, request it be added to the Selectmen's agenda.
  • Mr. ColeCollaborate with the Town Accountant and Sarah Hunter to research and clarify the details of the 'Page School Trust' funds.
  • UnassignedSend an invitation to Eagle Hill for the next meeting to discuss the PILOT agreement.
  • UnassignedProvide a copy of the PILOT agreement with Eagle Hill.
  • Andrew and the other partyAdjust the lease language to reflect the agreed-upon terms for the Kearsarge Solar project.
  • UnassignedFinalize, tweak, and send the solar project lease for signing.
  • Town AdministratorProvide copies of old and new personnel handbooks and present changes to the Personnel Committee.
  • Town AdministratorCoordinate with Town Administrator Melanie regarding the meeting time and posting for the Braintree/Hardwick/Town Administrator meeting, then inform the Board.
  • Board member interested in solar projectConnect with Justine regarding the existing MVP program grant application, which includes a new roof and solar PV.
  • UnassignedAdd all four previously submitted agenda items to the next Select Board agenda (requested).
  • UnassignedBegin formal discussion and eventual adoption of a permanent agenda request and meeting management policy (requested).

Topic Timeline

  1. 0:22
    Fiscal Year 2026 Tax Rate Discussion & Decision
  2. 3:16
    Appointment to Master Plan Steering Committee
  3. 3:47
    Mary Lane Trust / Baystate Health Update
  4. 0:00
    Rural Healthcare Funding
  5. 0:46
    Mary Lane Hospital Sale & Assets
  6. 2:41
    Legal Recourse & Future Strategy
  7. 7:20
    Master Plan Steering Committee Update
  8. 8:50
    Visitor Comment: Schoolhouse #6
  9. 0:00
    Schoolhouse Number Six Fund
  10. 4:46
    Page School Trust
  11. 0:08
    PILOT Agreements (Non-Profits)
  12. 1:34
    Eagle Hill School PILOT
  13. 9:15
    Meeting Minutes (June 9th)
  14. 0:00
    Meeting Minutes - June 9th
  15. 6:05
    Meeting Minutes - September 15th
  16. 6:22
    Town Administrator Request - Thanksgiving Holiday
  17. 7:51
    Kearsarge Solar Discussion
  18. 0:00
    Upfront Payment for Lease/Pilot Program (Kearsarge Solar)
  19. 6:49
    Lease Approval (Kearsarge Solar)
  20. 7:09
    Exhibit A (Site Plan Details)
  21. 8:13
    Gravel Access and Removal
  22. 9:02
    Non-Commencement of Project / Liquidated Damages
  23. 0:00
    Solar Project Lease Agreement
  24. 5:18
    Quabbin Legislation Support Letter
  25. 7:58
    Oakham Battery Storage Letter
  26. 9:23
    County Administrator Report
  27. 0:00
    Financial & Grants
  28. 0:24
    Personnel & Staffing
  29. 3:13
    Inter-municipal & Community
  30. 6:33
    Town Operations & Licenses
  31. 8:13
    Solar Energy Project (Elementary School)
  32. 0:00
    Procedural Concern Raised (Omitted Agenda Items)
  33. 2:46
    Motion to Adjourn

Uncertainties

  • Whether the town will pursue litigation against Baystate or the Attorney General, or focus solely on negotiating services regarding the Mary Lane Trust.
  • The specific types and scope of healthcare services that could be negotiated with Baystate.
  • The path forward for the Historical Commission regarding the lost Schoolhouse #6, especially given prior fundraising efforts for its rehabilitation.
  • The exact original amount of money brought in for the "Schoolhouse Number Six Fund."
  • The precise figures for how the "Schoolhouse Number Six Fund" money was disbursed by the Historical Society.
  • Whether the Historical Society will willingly return the "Schoolhouse Number Six Fund" without further action.
  • The exact amount of money currently in the "Page School Trust."
  • Whether the "Page School Trust" funds were legitimately misdeposited or if the library assumed them.
  • The precise definition and location of the "Page School" referenced in the trust (Ruggles Hill School vs. Page Library/High School).
  • The specific terms and conditions of the "Page School Trust" regarding the use of the funds.
  • The best course of action for the "Page School Trust" funds given the current status of the building and potential future changes.
  • The exact current amount of the PILOT agreement with Eagle Hill (figures of $50,000 and $60,000 were mentioned).
  • The current status of the elementary school roof, relevant for solar panel installation.
  • Whether the four previously requested agenda items will be explicitly confirmed for inclusion on the next Select Board agenda.
  • Whether the Board will formally discuss or decide on the recommendation to develop a permanent agenda request and meeting management policy.
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