DALTON, Mass. — The Board of Water Commissioners on Wednesday voted to return to the town the balance left of American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated for a ladder ladder truck.
"We appreciate the support and trust the Town of Dalton has consistently extended to our fire and emergency medical services. As stewards of public funds, we recognize the importance of responsible financial management," board Chair James Driscoll wrote to the Select Board.
"We have determined that returning the unutilized ARPA funds aligns with our commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility."
In 2022, the Select Board approved transferring $119,500 in ARPA funds to the Fire District to purchase the "refurbished" ladder truck. The district is a separate governmental body from the town
On Oct.18, 2022, Northern Fire Equipment received a down payment of $77,000; the district will return the unspent $42,500.
The ladder truck was ordered in late 2022, but its delivery date has been changed at least four times. Northern Fire Equipment has said staffing shortages, change orders, and unexpected mechanical malfunctions have contributed to the delay.
The funds were earmarked for a specific purpose that can no longer be completed, so "we must ensure they are used effectively and efficiently," Driscoll wrote.
Last month, the board voted to seek legal action against Northern Fire Equipment for breaching the ladder truck contract in an attempt to recover the ARPA funds. More information here.
"We sincerely thank the Town of Dalton for its unwavering support over the years. Your continued investment in our fire and EMS services enables us to enhance public safety, respond promptly to emergencies, and serve our community with dedication," the letter to the Select Board says.
"Once again, thank you for your partnership and collaboration. We look forward to continuing our work together for the betterment of Dalton and its residents."
The decision to return the funds to the town passed with no discussion.
Town Manager Thomas Hutcheson attended the meeting and expressed how much he enjoyed his interactions with Fire Chief Christian Tobin. He said Tobin is one of the best hires the town has had since he joined.
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Belchertown Stops Pittsfield Post 68
By Stephen DravisiBerkshires.com Sports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Belchertown Post 239’s Cooper Beckwith set the tone when he crushed the game’s first pitch to left-center field for a double.
The visitors went on to pound out 14 more hits in a 9-1 win over Pittsfield Post 68 in American Legion Baseball action at Buddy Pellerin Field on Monday night.
Beckwith went 3-for-4 with an RBI and scored twice, and Chase Earle went five innings on the mound without allowing an earned run as Post 239 improved to 15-0 this summer and completed a regular-season sweep of Post 68 (12-4).
“He’s a good pitcher,” Post 68 coach Rick Amuso said. “Good velo[city], kept the ball down. We didn’t respond.”
Pittsfield did manage to scratch out a run in the bottom of the fourth inning, when it already trailed, 7-0.
Nick Brindle reached on an error to start the inning. He moved up on a single by Jack Reed (2-for-2) and scored on a single to left by Cam Zerbato.
That was half the hits allowed by Earle, who struck out three before giving the ball to Alex West, who gave up a leadoff walk in the sixth and retired the next six batters he faced.
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The $25,000 raised will directly assist the Berkshire Humane Society in funding its various programs aimed at improving the lives of animals in need throughout the Berkshire County area. click for more
The short film follows Tom Levardi, who has been a supporter of the hiking community over the last 45 years by allowing Appalachian Trail hikers to camp in his back yard.
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On Thursday, the commission issued 36 conditions for the city project that include a new boardwalk, access stairs, paring improvements, seasonal docks, and a new swimming beach on the park’s two properties at 1447 North St. and 40 Hancock Rd. click for more
Mike Ressler was unhittable on the mound, and the Pittsfield Little League All-Stars completed a convincing run through the Don Gleason District 1 Tournament with a 19-0 win over Dalton-Hinsdale on Thursday. click for more