 Williamstown Town Meeting Passes Progress Pride Flag Bylaw AmendmentThe most heavily debated article of the 40 that were addressed by the meeting was decided on a vote of 175-90, amending a flag bylaw passed at last year's town meeting.  Same Place, New Day for Williamstown Town Meeting 2024The New England town meeting — steeped in tradition — has been far from traditional in the Village Beautiful over the last five years.  Williamstown Finance Committee Finishes Review of FY25 BudgetRepeatedly, Menicocci defended the town's practice, which predates his arrival, of conservative estimates for both revenue and expenses, a practice that has led to a healthy unreserved fund balance, or free cash, that is applied to subsequent years' budgets. Williamstown Fin Comm, Select Board Talk Need to Grow Tax BaseResidents carry a higher tax burden than people in surrounding towns, and the problem will only get worse unless the town sees more development.  Williamstown Panel Looking at How the Town Uses DebtAt its Aug. 17 meeting, the panel talked about the need to get "buy in" from all four of the independent municipal entities for any policy recommendations that may come out of the committee's deliberations. Williamstown Fin Comm Chooses 'Careful' Path, 1.3 Percent Rise in Tax LevyThe Finance Committee last week advanced a fiscal year 2024 budget that carries a projected 1.3 percent increase in the property tax levy townwide. Williamstown Fin Comm Pushes for Higher Free Cash ReservesRobert Menicocci presented a spending plan that sees a 3.7 percent increase in the town's operating budget from FY23. Hoosac Water Quality District Facing Prospect of Losing Compost OperationNorth Adams and Williamstown could be facing considerably higher sewer fees in the near future if the commonwealth ends a 40-year-old composting program. Williamstown Police Seeking 9 Percent Budget HikeA return to pre-pandemic level staffing and an adjustment to the commonwealth's police reforms have the Police Department seeking a 9 percent increase in funding in the fiscal year 2024 budget.  High Taxes, Wage Disparities Discussed at Williamstown Fin CommFirst-year Town Manager Robert Menicocci used his initial budget presentation to a joint meeting of the Select Board and Finance Committee to focus on his philosophy of budgeting and solicit feedback from the officials. |
