by Michael Ballway | Jun 5, 2024 | Hampden County, Local News, West Springfield
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Councilors cut more than $1 million from the mayor’s proposed town budget on June 3, most of it from the School Department. After rejecting a $1.6 million cut proposed by Town Councilor Daniel O’Brien, the council agreed to a series of line-item...
by Michael Ballway | Jun 5, 2024 | Hampden County, Local News, More Articles, West Springfield
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Memorial Day started as a way to remember those who died in the Civil War. But for state Sen. John Velis, the commemoration brings to mind much more recent, and much more personal, losses.
by Michael Ballway | May 29, 2024 | Hilltowns, Local Headlines, Local News
OTIS — A capacity crowd at Town Meeting approved a short-term rental bylaw, rejected the Community Preservation Act and voted to take no action on the $4.5 million Town Hall annex proposed by selectmen. The short-term rental bylaw, which required two-thirds support,...
by Michael Ballway | May 29, 2024 | Hampden County, Local News, More Local Headlines, West Springfield
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Councilors are looking at Mayor William Reichelt’s proposal of a $128.8 million budget for fiscal year 2025. The proposal, a 7.24% increase from the current budget, would result in an increase of 6.18% in taxes on existing properties. Town...
by Michael Ballway | May 22, 2024 | Hampden County, Hilltowns, Local News
GRANVILLE — Town Meeting agreed to adopt local taxes on meals and lodging on May 13, but unlike the rest of the articles on the warrant, it wasn’t unanimous. An extra 0.75% local meals tax passed 28-9. The proposed 6% local lodging tax passed 23-18. In both cases, the...