Editorial

Editorial: The Quintessential Stockbridge

There is something quintessentially Stockbridge about the photograph above: the view of natural beauty, the unspoiled, open space, and sparce population. Let’s protect what is uniquely ours in this roiling, densely populated world. 

by Carole Owens, Executive Editor

Watch Now!

Stockbridge Updates on Air: John Segalla, writer/star of Rebel Town, will discuss life in the theater

News

SU FYI

1. 25th anniversary of 911

2026 marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the al-Qaida attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The TwiTowers were destroyed and 2,799 people lost their lives. There will be several commemorative events to make the quarter century.

• Pittsfield, Veterans Memorial Park, 10 a.m., with keynote speech from retired Brig. Gen. John J. Driscoll.
• Great Barrington, Fire Department, 6 p.m. The department will unveil a permanent memorial that includes a piece of steel from the World Trade Center.
• North Adams, Fire Department, bell-ringing ceremony at 8:46 a.m., the time American Airlines Flight 11 hit the first tower.

The memorial in Great Barrington is about 4 feet of stone topped with a small piece of steel from the towers, acquired by John Morris, a former New York City firefighter who was at ground zero on that day 25 years ago. The tribute honors the 343 New York City firefighters who died on Sept. 11, 2001. A former New York Daily News photographer and Becket resident is donating author proceeds from his recently published book, “To Hell and Back: A Photojournalist’s Journey from the 9/11 World Trade Center Attack.”

2. We remember Keith Rafferty with fondness for the ready smile and hello to all and for his decades contributing to Stockbridge.
3. In the New York Times, May 10, 2025, “Satisfaction with public education is at a quarter-century low, and enrollment in public schools has declined.” 

Locally, columnist Vicky Shufton wrote in The Edge, ” McMahon’s mission [The United States Secretary of Education Linda McMahon] has been to dismantle the federal Department of Education…”

Berkshire Preservation Inc is moving to fill part of the gap. 

News

From the Desk of Peter Dillon, BHRSD Superintendent

The 2026–27 school year is underway, and we’re excited to have our buildings bustling with the energy that accompanies learning! As students and staff settle into the new school year, we’ve expanded our storytelling efforts to include introductions to the five new hires and ten school committee members working behind the scenes to ensure a smooth academic year. Please sign up to receive BHRSD News + Notes (my twice-monthly newsletter featuring good news from all three schools on campus) using the QR code below.

The Monument Mountain Regional High School Building Project continues to make steady progress as the Design Team advances the 60% Construction Documents phase. Over the summer, the project reached several exciting milestones, including finalizing the building’s exterior brick palette and identifying additional contingency funding through careful financial management. The project remains on schedule and within the approved Project Funding Agreement budget as coordination continues with municipal agencies, utility providers, and the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

Next Steps: The project will be publicly bid in accordance with Massachusetts law (Chapter 149) in Spring of 2027. Prequalification process for bidders will tentatively begin this Fall, and final bidding will take place Spring of 2027. Construction is anticipated to begin in Spring/Summer 2027. The existing high school will remain fully operational throughout construction. The new school is scheduled to open for the 2029–2030 school year.

Sign up to receive High School Building Project Updates (published every other month with support from Skanksa) using the same QR code mentioned above or Zoning Changes Now in Effect:

News

From the Statehouse

Christine Rasmussen

As you may recall in 2024 the legislature passed the Affordable Homes Act (AHA), to support Governor Maura Healey’s goal of building 220,000 new units of housing in Massachusetts by 2035. It authorized over $5 billion in spending and legalized Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by right statewide. Recently a committee connected to the Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts (REBA), led an effort build on the AHA foundation, by enacting zoning changes in an “Outside Section” (see editorial note) of the Fiscal Year 2027 State Budget that was signed by the governor on July 9th.

In Massachusetts towns like Stockbridge have an elected Planning Board, Board of Appeals, and Select Board members who have authority from state laws and the town’s zoning bylaws to review applications for building or modification of structures. This process has been used for decades, but because of the ability of abutters to challenge the validity of the permits through the court system, causing lengthy delays in securing necessary permits, the legislature using the REBA’s research changed the process making it more predictable and with less opportunity for legal challenges.

The new provisions include:

Fewer Special Permits Needed: If your house or lot doesn’t currently fit standard zoning rules (for example, your lot is too small or close to the property line), you used to have to go through a lengthy public hearing process with the Zoning Board of Appeals just to make changes. Now, you can expand or alter nonconforming residential structures without special local zoning relief, if your new construction project follows basic height, story, and setback rules for your town. However, you still must get a building permit.

The Variance Standard Has Been Fundamentally Rewritten

Massachusetts had one of the country’s most restrictive variance standards by requiring a showing of “substantial hardship,” That standard is now a new “practical difficulty” standard and boards now have to weigh the benefits of granting a variance including supporting housing production-against any detriment to the neighborhood. The hardship factor that boards would spend hours considering is now a discretionary consideration.

Multifamily Use Variances: Previously building multifamily housing on parcels not zoned for residential use required the developer to engage in a lengthy, uncertain municipal rezoning process. Developers can now apply for a “use variance” from local Zoning Boards of Appeals (ZBAs) for the required permits.

Extended Zoning Freezes: The law extends the protection period (zoning freeze) for approved housing projects, giving builders more stability against changing local bylaws.

Nonconforming Properties: It expands local flexibility to allow modifications and improvements to pre-existing nonconforming lots.

Modernized Communication: It authorizes electronic communications to streamline municipal notice requirements.

Who Can Sue: In the past, opponents could easily delay projects for years by filing lawsuits, even with weak arguments. The new law completely changes the rules for who has the right to sue (called “standing”).

Here is what those major legal changes mean:

1. Opponents Can No Longer “Hide in a Crowd.”
   • The Old Way: If a group of ten neighbors sued a developer, the court only required one person in the group to have a valid reason to sue. If just one person qualified, the whole lawsuit moved forward. This meant wealthy neighbors with no real case could fund the lawsuit from the sidelines.
   • The New Way: Every single person named in the lawsuit must now prove they have an individual, valid reason to sue.
   • Why it matters: It makes it much easier for developers to settle with one or two neighbors who have a real issue, rather than being forced to fight a large, stubborn group.

2. Abutters Lose Their Advantage
   • The Old Way: If you lived right next door, across the street, or within 300 feet of a project, the court automatically assumed you had the right to sue. The developer had to spend time and money proving you weren’t harmed.
   • The New Way: This automatic assumption is gone. Now, even immediate next-door neighbors start with zero advantage. They must immediately bring forward proof that the project will harm them.

3. Complaints Must Prove “Measurable” Harm
   • The Old Way: Neighbors could sue based on vague complaints, like claiming a new building would block their view or make the neighborhood a bit noisier.
   • The New Way: Complaining is no longer enough; opponents must prove concrete, measurable financial or physical damage. For example, you cannot just say, “I will see the building.” You must prove that seeing the building directly violates a specific zoning law and causes you a distinct, measurable injury.

4. The Harm Must Direct Connect to the Specific Permit
   • The Old Way: If a developer went to town hall to get a simple permit—for example, a minor exception to add a few extra parking spaces—neighbors could sue and complain about the entire project, like the height of the building or traffic on the main road.
   • The New Way: The lawsuit must strictly focus only on what the permit is for. If the developer is only asking for a parking permit, a neighbor can only sue over parking. They cannot use a minor permit as an excuse to complain about the whole building.

The Big Picture:

Overall, these changes by making it harder for neighbors to sue to block renovations or developments, giving a major victory to housing developers. It remains to be seen how courts will rule on appeals on the law.

Because these changes were effective immediately, local boards must be prepared to make their decisions in compliance with legal advice to comply with the changes in reviewing permit applications under the provisions now in effect.

Editor’s note: 1. Outside sections of the fiscal budget are legislative provisions included in appropriations bills that may not directly relate to the budget itself. These sections can introduce new policies or amend existing laws, often influencing various state programs and services. 2. Christine wants us to know she is not an attorney, and that her article is background information on what is occurring in land use policy in the state and should not be construed as legal advice. For legal advice, seek legal counsel.
 

by Christine Rasmussen

Analysis

From Lee, MA

The Town of Lee made an offer to the current owner, Mohammed Zabian, for the old Price Shopper building. Zabian’s counteroffer changed some of the conditions.

The almost two-acre tract on which the building sits is perhaps as valuable, or more valuable, than the building. The building has been vacant for over 12 years an in one plan is slated for demolition.

The Lee Select Board approved an agreement with Zabian in June allowing the Town to use the parking lot for local events until the property is sold or the parties are notified otherwise. Due to the limited parking in Town, additional parking and direct access to the new Public Safety Building are both valuable. One Finance Committee member was concerned that sale to a private business may result in parking or the new road being prohibited.

However, another Finance Committee member countered that the property is overpriced, and that it is not at all clear that another offer is imminent. The assessed value of the almost 2-acre tract is $750,000 with the building and the Town would pay for the demolition of the extant building.

Alternatively, the Lee Youth Association (LYA) wants to restore the Price Chopper building and use it for a gymnasium, a day care center, outdoor playing spaces adjacent, a ballfield, added parking spaces, and a circle for drop off/pick up.

SU followed the story when the Lenox Day Care closed and there is little doubt day care is needed in south Berkshire County. LYA Board President confirmed they are considering leasing the former Price Chopper property from the Town (if they purchase it) to house a new facility for its services including Busy Bee Learning Center preschool, sports, and after-school activities. The President of the LYA Board of Directors is Ali Zabian, Mohamed Zabian’s brother.

News

From Sheffield MA

Congratulations to Jim Miller of the Sheffield Historical Society on publication of Sheffield News 1662 – 1940. Get a copy. It is a fun read about a village that was more central to early American history than you may think. We don’t have to endure that early dark world, the long distances, the shortages of everything, or the wars – we are just reading about it therefore, it is fun!

“I cannot say enough about Jim. He has been at the Historical Society in Sheffield forever and knows everything. Or anyway, he has been there since I wrote Berkshire Cottages in the 1980s and has been able to answer every question I ever asked him. Same thing, right?”

From Carole Owens: Congrats to Jim – a great guy and a great historian

News

From Lenox, MA Notes from the Lenox Historical Commission (LHC), September 10, 2026, Hybrid meeting

The 50th anniversary celebration of the establishment of LHC was discussed. The event will be held on Saturday October 10 and Sunday October 11 and will include talks, visits to historic sites, and a party.

The bulk of the meeting focused on a developers’ plan for Spring Lawn at 10 Kemble Street – demolish Spring Lawn, build a replica, and construct 24 housing units in and around the replicated house.

In an unusual move, the developers bypassed LHC and all applicable local bylaws and went to two state agencies: Mass Historical Commission (MHC) and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). LHC was officially informed in June of this year although correspondence went to the state agencies — including one from the Lenox Town Administrator dated October 9, 2025, supporting the demolition plan – a year ago.

At the last meeting LHC voted to contact MHC and DCR to let them know LHC would not sign the Memorandum of Agreement before conducting their own evaluation of the condition of Spring Lawn. They also might retain the right to institute the Demolition Delay Bylaw giving the Town a year to negotiate with the current developer or find another buyer before the developer can demolish. The hitch might be the request in the MOA for LHC to be a “concurring signer,” that is, a signature acknowledging understanding of the terms but without any power to change them. However, the answer to their DCR letter may change that (MHC has not responded):

“Finally, the DCR has not signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with MHC and does not plan to until it incorporates our preliminary approval letter, as it may be modified by the conclusions of the independent assessment of the mansion, and incorporates any conditions your Commission may require should you approve the project.”

DCR’s signature may be mandatory to move on to the demolition phase and their apparent support of the LHC conditions may put the local commission back in the negotiation.

One indication that may be true is for the first time on September 4, 2026, the owners/developers agreed to meet with three members of LHC. Unfortunately, it was not a public meeting but the notes from the meeting indicate:

LHC made it clear they are hiring an independent evaluator to report on the condition of Spring Lawn by a firm “with extensive demonstrated experience in rehabilitating historic buildings for modern use” as recommended by DCR.

In his letter of August 24, 2026, LHC Chair David Dryer made clear the LHC voted not to sign the MOA, voted to hire an independent evaluator of Spring Lawn, and the idea that there is widespread local support for demolition is not accurate.

There was debate among members about how to instruct an expert evaluator – many shared that they do this all the time and know what is expected and what the regulations require while others felt a detailed request was better. However that issue is resolved, the larger issue, an effort to circumvent local bylaws, has been stalled if not defeated by LHC.

News

From Stockbridge

Notes from the Planning Board, August 25, 2026, Hybrid meeting

One agenda item: Richard Lynch and Linda Baker, 90 Hawthorne Street, have two houses on one large lot. They wish to divide the property, resulting in two lots each with one house. Town attorney informed the PB that this proposed split into two parts is not subject to subdivision bylaws if the houses predate the subdivision bylaw. They do. PB does not have discretion and passed the request. However, the problem of being nonconforming will pass to the owners of each lot. F9or example, the two lots are in a 4-acre zone, therefore, a one-acre lot is in violation.
 

Notes from the Finance Committee, August 26, 2026, Hybrid meeting

There was one agenda item: to approve transfer of $100,000 in funds to pay overages in the Fire Department for EMT salaries and snow removal. It passed

Editor’s note: I listened to Zoom twice and cannot understand the individual costs or the total transfer. If any of you listen and understand, let SU know.

Notes from the Agricultural and Forestry Commission, August 31, 2026, Hybrid meeting

Two signs have been completed and delivered and AFC would like to install them near Town Offices and on Route 7 near the Red Lion. They did not specify what the signs were for.

AFC is proposing a Preservation Fund presumably to purchase land coming out of Chapter 61 or just on the market that could be preserved for farming (and or recreation and forestry? Or agriculture only). One suggestion was to ask the Town for $25,000 to start the fund. Another was to transfer $50,000 granted to but not used by Kampoosa Fen (called Bog previously) to the new Preservation Fund. There is a model in Williamstown that they might replicate.

There was discussion about pursuing grants.

AFC member and Stockbridge Tree Warden, Lisa Bozutto, is moving to Maine in November. She will be missed.

Editor’s note: Purchasing and protecting Stockbridge land coming out of Chapter 61 was suggested for 30+ acres at Interlaken Crossroad at the 2024 Town meeting and voted down. Chapter 61 is way for private owners to reduce their taxes by preserving land as recreational or agricultural land or forest. When the private owner removes the land from Chapter 61 (presumably to sell it), the Town has the right of first refusal. Stockbridge never exercised that right; Richmond just turned down that right in the Furnace area. Berkshire Preservation Inc was established in part as a reaction to this. BPI brought the idea to AGF of a public/private partnership to preserve Stockbridge land. BPI is disappointed AFC is not pursuing that but is gratified that they are attempting to do something.

Notes from the Stockbridge Historic Preservation Commission, August 31, Hybrid meeting

One agenda item. Attorney Nick Arienti, on behalf of Hans Morris, presented a proposal for demolition of several outbuildings not original to the McBurney estate (later the Swan and then the Morris estate) on Cherry Hill. The last outbuilding, a barn deemed architecturally significant will be saved and restored. The proposal passed unanimously. The Building Inspector issues the demolition permit.

Notes from the Select Board, September 3, 2026, Hybrid meeting

First order of business was request for public comment. Mike Buffoni wanted to weigh in on the manner in which longevity is being handled with new hires. Apparently new hires are being granted longevity (with the accompanying benefits (4-week vacation and higher pay) for work done in a different town on a prior job. Buffoni, who mentioned he has worked for Stockbridge for 40 years, feels disrespected and feels the new hires are being “gifted” longevity rather than earning it. Since the item was not on the agenda, the SB could not respond or discuss but did offer to put it on the agenda of the next meeting.

License granted to Fore Department for the September 20, 2026 Josh Billings Runaground after party.

At Town Administrator Michael Canales’ request, Teresa Zanetti prepared a letter to new appointees to committees, commissions, and boards with information about the oath of office, Open Meeting Laws, and the Ethics exam. Canales reported on:

1. The dam in Lake Mahkeenac (Stockbridge Bowl) – In November 2025, the Commonwealth judged it unsafe. Since then, preliminary work has been done, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation has raised the rating from unsafe to poor. Now Phase 2 will begin to evaluate and do necessary work. Canales has already informed DCR that Stockbridge will apply for a grant(s) for repairs.
2. The Connector (bus service) – Canales requested options available for Stockbridge and will bring to the SB.
3. Cupola – repairs were done previously in 2006 and 2013 but were inadequate. That is, the underlying cause, water, was not addressed. This year the condition was potentially dangerous. Town Office was roped off and access limited. It was determined to carefully lift the cupola off the building, do the repairs necessary underneath, evaluate damage to cupola and try to try repair and replace cupola.
4. Harvey Waller was expected to discuss Coaching Weekend (October 10 – 12) but was not present. Jorja Marsden paid tribute to the passing of Keith Rafftery and John Morris.

Notes from Water and Sewer, September 8, 2026, Hybrid meeting

The reservoir that provides water to Stockbridge is Lake Averic. Brief discussion on security for the area including cameras.

Sewer for Lake Drive is underway. At this point rock and soil samples are being taken for analysis. The process should be completed by November and then next phase begun. A representative from the Lake Drive Association was present but not introduced. Maple Street: Study being conducted including drainage, water runoff, locations of manholes, and water valves. Once study complete, they will go for state grants for repairs.

There was a valve stuck on a “Clarifier” installed in 2005. Sewer Superintendent Tony Campetti wanted to commend assistant Mark Viola Jr. for the hours of work he did in a confined space to free the valve.

Editor’s note: Clarifiers are settling tanks built with mechanical means for continuous removal of solids being deposited by sedimentation.[1] A clarifier is generally used to remove solid particulates or suspended solids from liquid for clarification and/or thickening. Inside the clarifier, solid contaminants will settle down to the bottom of the tank where it is collected by a scraper mechanism.[2] Concentrated impurities, discharged from the bottom of the tank, are known as sludge, while the particles that float to the surface of the liquid are called scum

Notes from the 5-member Select Board Study Committee, September 10, 2026, Hybrid meeting

Brief meeting to approve distribution of a questionnaire to the 14 people who were prior members of the Stockbridge Select Board. Jorja Marsden has located 12 and is searching for contact information for the remaining 2. Distribution approved. Patty Caya was thanked for the work she did preparing the survey.

Perspective

Tanglewood is Classical Music First

By Bruce Blair

Read the history. Walk the grounds on a fall day when the ghosts of the great maestros are in the air. Imagine the famous alums in their youth as their dreams begin to grow. Hear the music of the birds, the breeze through the trees, contemplate the hills. Imagine early Tanglewood student Leonard Bernstein, perhaps already dreaming about rescuing nature-loving composer Gustav Mahler from relative obscurity with a concert series. Among his many accomplishments, “Lenny” directed the first televised episodes of the Young People’s Concert Series with the NY Philharmonic, reaching millions of people. Fifty-four episodes, performing and answering questions like “What is Classical Music?” Youthful audiences were initiated.

The people running the Boston Symphony Orchestra are stewards of classical music, first and foremost. But are they also thinking about developing the grounds, adding more pop concerts, reducing classical ones? How about a trendy sushi bar to go with the new bar inside the Shed? But they are stewards passing through. The Koussevitsky legacy serves to remind them of the treasure – and responsibility – with which they have been entrusted. The BSO is bound by the conditions of its non-profit status. How far should it go in promoting pop music? Adding profitable amenities? Property development? What would Koussevitsky, Bernstein, Copeland say?

The BSO has created wonderful opportunities for young kids to experience classical music. But whether that makes enough difference in stemming the general decline in classical attendance is open to question. Classical music competes with rapid fire video of all iterations, AI compositions/recordings, a bland diet of derivative repetitive pop songwriters and performers all at the fingertips of any kid with a cellphone. What is the answer? John Williams is not Beethoven, despite the comment by one of his fans in the video that opened Film Night.

I once helped paint the beams in the ceiling of the Shed. It was the loftiest height I ever attained while working there. But I always knew what Tanglewood was ultimately about. The tumultuous, tone-deaf manner in which Music Director Andris Nelsons was dismissed undermined community trust. The new mission statement and the vague, corporate damage control jargon about “vision” need backup. Attendance is down for classical music, the mission now ought to be to save it. The Board must know real solutions are broader than adding more pop stars or a bar. Bernstein was a champion, now, we need another.

Editor’s Note: 1. The first concert of the Berkshire Symphonic Festival took place on August 23, 1934. For 92 years, in Stockbridge, we have had “music Under the Moon and Stars.” Today we call it Tanglewood: founded in Stockbridge, located entirely in Stockbridge, the Shed built in Stockbridge; it is quintessential-Stockbridge. Bruce will follow with more about Tanglewood 2026.

Making History

From the Board of Berkshire Preservation Inc (BPI)

We are planning to produce and distribute to public and private schools, an educational unit on civics and local history. We estimate the cost at $150,000.

How will the work be done?

We have put together a team to create the elements of the unit – the book, videos, and teacher’s guide.

The writer is author of more than 12 books, winner of the Paul Tsongas Award for Preservation, The New England Newspaper and Press Association for best annual history article and outstanding journalism across six New England states. A five-time Emmy award winner will oversee the video production. A member of both BPI and the MCLA Board of Directors will oversee production of the teacher’s guide. Our local actors, with well-deserved national reputations, will bring the local history videos to life and articulate how Massachusetts moved the colonies and helped them become a nation.

For BPI, preservation is a verb. To preserve an historic building; to preserve our precious open land, farmland, and forests; to preserve life with support services including ambulances, BPI knows we have to roll up our sleeves and do the work. Now we want to preserve the education that we took for granted and that our children and grandchildren are living without.

The emphasis on our local history works in Massachusetts in a way it would not work in Ohio founded 1803 or Illinois founded 1816. Other states were founded long after the Declaration of Independence was written or the US Constitution was adopted. Massachusetts is where Paul Revere rode, the shot heard round the world was fired, and the Sheffield Resolves were written.

We know funds for education are being slashed and so are the programs they support. BPI wants to fill that gap with the educational unit: Making Magic.

We are a 501c3 nonprofit, your donations are tax deducible, and remember, we cannot do it without you.

Reader to Reader

Reader to Reader

Hi,

Don’t know who needs to know this but yesterday on my walk to grab a matcha [green tea] in between meetings my clogs caught on one of the raised pavement bricks and I fell hard. My lip was severed with a laceration that awarded me 6 stitches. Abby former owner of the coffee shop took me to urgent care. It could have been worse. Our visitors are of a certain age and if I can get caught unexpectedly, they can too. Just thought I would share. I am fine I will be fine. I will be okay but wanted to let you know. Grateful for my community!

I wanted you to know. And to also be careful. I copied you deliberately. Maybe let people know to be cautious while walking. No details about me needed ..

Thanks Carole

Hi Carole,

In response to an earlier SU editorial, I want you to know, if the taxes keep going up, I will have to move. As many remember I used to speak at length at our annual Town meetings. I wanted to be sure voters knew what they actually were voting for. Many spoke up, but then, we ceded control to Town Hall and I gave up. Now I see things I really can’t keep quiet about. They are the Town Hall cupola, the new firehouse, and the bridge to nowhere. I will say I am a tad outraged about the $5million+ bridge to nowhere.

The cupola? Because in 2006 when the Plain School was converted to Town offices the then Select Board was told that the cupola was unstable and needed repair. Their response was it was too expensive. Serious maintenance was delayed so it was needed again in 2013 and again now. They looked good keeping taxes down at the expense of tomorrow. Well, it is tomorrow, and the cupola is a danger and may collapse and fall. Town Offices are unusable and the cost has gone up exponentially. Infrastructure maintenance and repair projects were deferred all over town – bridges, roads, culverts, water and sewer lines, but eventually the bill comes due.

The firehouse: the cost of this project mirrors the cost of converting the school building to Town Hall. At the time the Plain school was estimated (if memory serves) to be just under ten million. Ask Town Accountant what the final cost was. More than twice that figure – I think it was $30million – three times). The cost of the firehouse was originally quoted at $3million and has now ballooned to $13 million and may be closer at completion to the $20million+ spent in Lenox.

Why are we building a new firehouse when the current one is central to the town AND expandable.

Things have gone too far. We will have to pay for the school and all the above. I am suggesting that we all get involved and start asking questions.

This will be the first of two so watch this space.

Regards, John H. Hart

John,

Thank you. It’s food for thought. Gas and groceries, prescriptions and now taxes are becoming a challenge to pay.

No one can doubt my respect and support for Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad (SBAS). I am president of a nonprofit organization that raised almost $100,000 for SBAS in one night this year. I just wish all the emergency folks (fire and ambulance) would get together and figure out who is paying for what.

Problem is, we Stockbridge taxpayers voted $50,000 for SBAS at Town Meeting in May 2026. Then in August, 2026, the Town Administrator asked permission to transfer $100,000 in funds to cover an additional cost for our Stockbridge new EMT staff members and other overages such as snow removal. This coming tax season, we taxpayers will begin paying an estimated $13,000,000 for the new Stockbridge firehouse and more Stockbridge fire and ambulance staff. In addition, we all just received a flyer in every Stockbridge P. O. Box asking for another donation to SBAS. It recommended an donation of $100 to $5000.

We are all supportive, and we don’t want to feel guilty. We sure want someone to come if we call for help, but it is beginning to feel very hard to find the money.

I remember at Town Meeting, the Finance Committee asked SBAS to give us an accounting of the SBAS operating expenses and capital expenditure needed, and amount raised so far. I hope SBAS does that so we can see how much is still needed. They probably raised some, or hopefully a lot, of what is needed.

Lee, Lenox, and Stockbridge have a cooperative arrangement to cover the three towns with fire and ambulance. I don’t remember that we charge each other for that. Let me know if we do.

Thanks again John for bringing up taxes and spending. My Granny always said, “spend less or earn more.” We have been very fortunate, but now the belt-tightening period may be upon us.

Best Carole