The meeting began with the Finance Committee discussing the financials behind the health insurance deficit, outlining various proposals to address the deficit through budget reductions and transfers. The committee agreed on a 60-40 split for funding the deficit, with 60% coming from the stabilization fund and 40% from budget cuts. Several proposals were presented, including using surplus funds from the board of assessors and property insurance. The committee debated the implications of these cuts on town and school budgets, emphasizing the need for collaboration to minimize impacts on services. Ultimately, they agreed on a modified Proposal 5, which included contributions from both the town and school budgets, and set a special town meeting for October 27 to discuss these financial adjustments.

The Belchertown Select Board meeting on September 2nd included public comments from Dorothy Creswell and Jim Barry, who advocated for a resolution supporting democracy and constitutional principles in light of perceived threats to these values. The board discussed various community events, including the upcoming Lake Wallace Fall Fest and a one-day liquor license for McCarthy's Pub during the fair weekend. The largest part of the meeting addressed the financial challenges faced by the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust, with discussions on rate increases and the need for contingency plans. This meeting was attended by members of the School Committee and the Finance Committee who also asked questions and voiced their concerns. The board addressed the importance of timely communication and documentation for Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust meetings, emphasizing the need for a policy regarding the handling of proclamations and public requests, particularly those related to political issues.

The August 18th Belchertown Select Board meeting addressed several community concerns and updates. Highlights included public comments about accessibility at town events, health insurance budget issues, and school funding decisions. The board approved minutes, signed grants for local projects, and adopted the Complete Streets Policy to improve town transportation options. Discussions covered branding guidelines for the town logo and seal, economic development goals, health insurance impacts, committee appointments, and preparations for upcoming town fair events. The meeting also featured an overview of progress on technology, infrastructure, and HR policies, with a focus on transparency, community engagement, and ensuring residents’ voices are heard in both public comments and ongoing town initiatives.

AI Summary:The meeting began with standard approvals and then dove into several important topics affecting our town. There was a major update about a 20% health insurance rate increase from the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust, sparking a long discussion on its impact for employees, retirees, and the town’s budget. The Select Board also reviewed requests for use of the town hall parking lot during the fair, ultimately siding with tradition but asking groups to collaborate better in the future. Other highlights included ongoing goal-setting for the coming year, a renewed look at allowing public comments at meetings, and logistical decisions around upcoming projects, grants, and policies. Public engagement and fiscal responsibility were major themes throughout.

0:00 Call to Order1:10 Pledge of Allegiance1:30 Approval of Minutes2:00 Hickory Hill Subdivision Easements3:50 Public Hearing Alteration of Premises - Kansai6:20 Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust Update37:00 Check in with attendees38:00 Request to use Town Parking Lot during Fair Weekend1:04:35 Goals and Objectives2:30:05 5 Minute Break2:34:40 Public Comment During Select Board Meetings2:45:40 Food Truck Vendors Access to Public Space2:56:15 Tax Work-Off Program3:06:38 Franklin School Sale3:07:49 Town Managers Report3:15:19 Weekly Mail3:22:38 Individual Board Members Report3:26:29 Move into Executive SessionView Minutes Here: https://www.belchertown.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042025-1016

AI Summary: At the August Tri‑Board meeting, Belchertown’s Select Board, Finance Committee, and School Committee tackled a nearly $900,000 health insurance budget gap caused by steep premium increases and depleted reserves in the town’s insurance trust. Leaving the trust now was deemed impractical, so members focused on a one‑year fix without raising taxes. The leading idea is to cover 60% of the shortfall from the Stabilization Fund as an “internal loan,” with the rest made up through cuts or savings in each budget, then repay the loan over three years using Free Cash. Other tools—like pausing the OPEB contribution, keeping the 60/40 Free Cash split for one more year, and finding small savings—are on the table. Closing Cold Spring School remains a possible future cost‑cut, but not mid‑year to avoid disrupting students. All agreed employee and student stability comes first, and residents will have the final say at a Special Town Meeting after a September 8 joint session finalizes the plan.0:00 Public Comment3:50 Discussion with Finance and School Committee regarding healthcare insurance financial impacts and budgeting options

View Minutes Here: https://www.belchertown.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112025-1024

Audio from the full-length Belchertown Select Board meeting that took place on May 19th, 2025 at Belchertown Town Hall.

View Minutes Here: https://www.belchertown.org/AgendaCen...AI SummaryAt the May 19th Belchertown Select Board meeting, the board approved the minutes from previous meetings and welcomed a presentation from the town’s Branding Committee, which unveiled the final recommended town logo after a year-long process involving extensive community engagement, surveys, and public input. The logo, which received strong support in a community vote, aims to reflect Belchertown’s rural, agricultural, and natural features, though some board members discussed whether it could be even more specific to recognizable local landmarks. The board ultimately approved the logo, allowing the committee to move forward with branding guidelines and wayfinding projects. The meeting also included a unanimous endorsement of the upcoming Annual Town Meeting warrant, discussion and approval of a proclamation celebrating the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s farewell tour (with a special event planned for June 14th), and updates on various town projects and grants. The session concluded with board member reports, expressions of gratitude for outgoing member Ed’s years of service, and a reminder of the importance of teamwork in moving Belchertown forward.

2025 Belchertown Candidates' Night, hosted by BCTV. This event was broadcast live on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 7 PM from the Select Board Meeting Room in Lawrence Memorial Hall.Candidates running in the May 19, 2025, Belchertown town election present their views and qualifications to voters.Event FormatOpening Statements: Each candidate delivers a 3-minute presentation.Contested Positions: Includes a question-and-answer period (up to 30 minutes or 5 questions). The first question addresses the potential Proposition 2 ½ override. Each candidate has 2 minutes to answer questions and 2 minutes for a closing summary.Uncontested Positions: Candidates provide a 3-minute statement with no question-and-answer session.CANDIDATES FEATURED:Select Board:- Jennifer Turner (Candidate for Re-Election)- Angela Battle- Jonathan RitterBoard of Health:- Gail Gramarossa- Jim Potter (Write-in)School Committee:- Jacob HulsebergStay informed about the candidates before the Belchertown Town Election on Monday, May 19, 2025

Audio from the full-length regular meeting of the Belchertown Select Board that took place on May 5, 2025 at Belchertown Town Hall.