Election 2009: Bianchi Proposes Small-Business Fund

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mayoral candidate Dan Bianchi has announced plans for a new fund to help small local businesses. From this pool of money, he said he will offer zero-interest loans and grants to assist local small businesses with special projects, business expansions, employee retention, and job creation. 

Bianchi proposes to use some of the existing GE economic development funds to finance the new small business fund.

"My idea is to set aside $1 million of the existing GE economic development funds to help our local small businesses," said Bianchi.

This fund would offer zero-interest loans or grants to fund projects for businesses with demonstrated needs. In order to qualify for the program, businesses must employ fewer than 100 employees, have been located in the City for a minimum of five years, and have a sound financial business plan. Award amounts will be based on need, job retention and creation, potential for growth, and demonstrable commitment to the community.

The awards will be administered by a small-business council composed of representatives from throughout the business community. The small-business council will review the applications for assistance and determine eligibility and award amounts based on the criteria listed above.


Bianchi continues to stress the importance of supporting small businesses and encouraging them to help create strategies for the city's future. This fund will offer assistance to projects that benefit the community, he said. 

"Our small local businesses are the backbone of this community. Together they employ thousands of residents and support many families. It is time that the city listens to their needs and concerns. We should partner with these businesses to provide the support that they need to succeed," said Bianchi.

"All streets will lead to City Hall during my administration. I plan to be the voice that our local small businesses need to continue to grow and succeed in the community."

Submitted by the Campaign to Elect Dan Bianchi
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Lanesborough Town Meeting to Vote Budget, Bylaws & Vehicle Purchases

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Tuesday's annual town meeting includes a $14 million operating budget, new short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units and sign bylaws, and free cash article appropriations.

Voters will gather at Lanesborough Elementary School on June 9 at 6 p.m. to decide on 20 warrant articles.

The fiscal 2027 budget is up a little over 10 percent. Some of the main increases are the Mount Greylock Regional School District and McCann Technical School: the McCann assessment is up more than 30 percent based on factors including enrollment and the school renovation project, and Mount Greylock's is up 11 percent.

Article 11 is for the town to vote to approve from free cash the sum of $16,298.48 for the McCann Technical School roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. Article 3 is  appropriate $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School assessment.

Another notable increase was in life and health insurance, showing an increase of about 26 percent.

Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. One of the articles asks the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses.

Many town departments are looking for new vehicles. The Fire Department is looking to replace its outdated 1996 fire engine. There are two articles related to the truck at a total of $813,366. Article 12 would transfer $225,000 from free cash into the Fire Truck Stabilization Fund; Article 13 would transfer $605,000 from the fund and authorize the borrowing of $208,366.08.

The total includes a $100,000 contingency cost to cover any additional costs if a 2026 model-year chassis cannot be secured before new emissions standards go into effect in 2027.

The board at its last meeting moved the $225,000 transfer to come before the borrowing article, changing the stabilization number. If the $225,000 is not voted on, then they will amend the next article's number on the floor, subtracting the $225,000. This shows the borrowing number significantly lower.

Article 17 asks for the transfer of $80,000 from free cash to replace a police cruiser.

Police Chief Rob Derksen's aim is to replace one vehicle every other year, meaning the oldest vehicle gets replaced about every 10 years. 

He stressed that if delayed this year, the town may have to double up in a future year to get back on schedule, and that paying later usually costs more. The article will ask for $80,000 from free cash, the vehicles used to be funded by the BHRD.

Lastly, the Highway Department is looking to replace a 2014 International dump truck that will be a total of $330,000 and will take two to three years to receive.

Money will be used from last year's approval of $250,000 from free cash for the replacement of a 2012 highway front-end loader that was underspent $49,261. Town meeting is being asked to approve  a transfer of $53,274.85 from free cash and the use of $227,464 from funds from the Sale of Town Real Estate to fund the balance.

Other free cash proposals include $1,200 to purchase software to support tracking and ongoing maintenance schedules of town-owned vehicles; $42,000 for the replacement of the Highway Department's storage shed roof, $200,000 to reduce the tax levy.

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