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Belchertown Select Board Meeting | Water Ban Update, Finalize FY27 Goals | July 20, 2026
Published: Jul 20, 2026
Unexpected $341,000 Increase in State Aid Budget Prompts Discussion on Fund Allocation
Steve, the Town Manager, reported on the final state aid budget, which came in approximately $341,000 higher than anticipated, a significant increase not seen in about 10 years. School choice money also increased by $160,000. The town has several options for these funds: let them roll into free cash for FY28, appropriate them at town meeting, or use them for other priorities. Steve recommended against appropriating them at town meeting and suggested the majority of the funds should go into the stabilization account to build reserves, though considering specific priorities is also an option. He proposed discussing this with the Finance Committee at the first tri-board meeting. He will prepare a list of potential needs if funds are not solely allocated to stabilization. The town also has a pending insurance claim for repairs and rental of equipment (transformer and HVAC) at the senior center due to a power surge, which may impact how funds are used. The final state aid budget is for FY28 [cite: 2941-2942].
Buildings and Grounds Committee Disbanded Due to Lack of Activity and Overlapping Roles
The Select Board voted to disband the Buildings and Grounds Committee, as it has not met in over a year due to issues with membership and purpose. Since its formation, other committees like the Capital Improvement Planning Committee and Creative Economy Committee have been established, absorbing some of its potential roles. Some former members have joined these new committees. The motion to disband passed unanimously.
Town Property Conveyed to EDIC to Facilitate Business Development
The Select Board voted to endorse the release deed to convey town property to the Belturetown Economic Development Industrial Corporation (EDIC). This involves a landlocked parcel of approximately 60 acres behind Anytime Fitness, adjacent to EDIC's land. The transfer of this property, which has been surveyed and approved at town meeting, will square off EDIC's land, opening more area for future business development. EDIC is eager to proceed with marketing efforts to find a developer for the parcel.
Water District Discusses Operations, Drought, and Withdrawal Permits
The Select Board heard a presentation from Kevin Williams and other members of the Water District regarding the district's operations, boundaries, and challenges. Key topics included the district's establishment in 1928, its separate entity status, the management of water rights, and historical instances of extending service outside its official boundaries, such as to the Chestnut Hill School. The district currently serves 1378 connections. Discussions also covered drought conditions, water withdrawal permits from the D and DCR, and the criteria used to monitor water levels, including river flow and well depletion. The district's current withdrawal permit was recently reviewed and reduced from 410,000 gallons per day to 400,000 gallons per day after an extensive process. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of development on water supply and the difficulty in obtaining new permits. The presentation also touched upon the town's eligibility for grants and the collaborative development of the 'Day Well' with the town. The district operates five wells across two locations. Residents expressed interest in understanding the permitting process and the reasoning behind the state's decision to reduce water allocation. The district's budget is impacted by water bans, as they reduce revenue.
Select Board Approves New Signage Regulations for Town Common
The Select Board discussed and voted on regulations for signs on the town common and town properties. The discussion focused on limiting the number of signs and their duration to prevent clutter. A motion was made and passed to limit signs to two weeks prior to an event and one sign per event on the common, applicable only to the town common. This applies to future applications, with existing approvals grandfathered in. The board is also investigating the possibility of a larger, more aesthetically appropriate sandwich board and consulting with the historical district commission regarding their bylaws.
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