Editor’s note: On any Warrant Article the maximum number of residents who voted was 132. Out of an eligible voting population of approximately 1725, 7% of voters made the decisions about our spending and therefore our taxes for the next year. On the following day only 144 people voted in the local election. No race was contested.
Articles 1, 2, and 3 passed without debate. There was a call for an amendment to Article 4: the amendment would have increased the amount granted to Stockbridge Library. The President of the Library Board declined the offer saying the library carefully weighs its annual request, asks for only what it needs from the Town, and wants no more. The amendment failed.
Warrant Articles 5, 6, and 7 passed without debate.
Article 8 (Accessory Dwelling Units) was discussed. Those opposed felt it limited what individuals and businesses could do on their own property. Those in favor felt it was a procedural correction requested by the Commonwealth and the best of the choices available.
Article 9 contained a number of individual requests for funding called sections. Of the sections, “holds” were placed on #8 #18 and #19. When a hold is placed, the balance of the article can be voted upon, but the items “held” must be discussed before voting. The hold on #8 was later withdrawn. Discussions were held on #18 – $25,000 requested by Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad for operating expenses and #19 – $25,000 requested by SBAS for capital expenses. Those opposed cited the lack of details about the amount requested, either a breakdown of how the amount was arrived at and how it would be used, and the overall management of the organization. Those who supported both grants were more colorful presenting testimony about a lifesaving event, the fear and danger if no one responded when there was a critical health emergency. Those who supported the request for operational expenses, but not capital expenses, pointed out that the operational request was for one year only while Stockbridge Fire/EMT gets up and running. and the capital expense (for an ambulance) would not be available for a year or more. Those in favor were heartfelt and persuasive — both #18 and #19 passed.
There was discussion on Article 12: the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) recommendations. The issue introduced was when should our taxes be granted to private institutions like the Affordable Housing Trust, the Library, and Construct. It was agreed that it was a question worth a discussion both because there was confusion and also because there really should be rules governing the grants. (See Editor’s note)
The rest of the Articles passed with brief or no discussion.
Before the Moderator closed the Town Meeting, he thanked Terry Iemolini, Town Clerk, for her years of service. Everyone clapped and rose to their feet.
Editor’s Note: 1. For clarity, Stockbridge Updates fully supports Southern Berkshire Ambulance (SBAS), and all our brave men and women in all 31 Berkshire towns who run toward danger seeking to help others and save lives. In fact, SU‘s Executive Editor agreed to help SBAS raise funds and has planned a thrilling benefit concert this summer. Nevertheless, SU has an obligation to accurately report what is discussed and decided during our town government meetings whether they are complimentary or not. 2. Newspapers, including SU, have an obligation, when possible, to clarify or explain actions and decisions. To that end, there are hard and fast rules for when and under what conditions tax dollars are granted to private organizations. See Journalism Corner above.
