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...
by Michael Ballway | May 22, 2024 | Hampden County, Local News, West Springfield
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Cellphone pouches will click shut at the high school starting this fall. West Springfield High School is now ready to implement the Yondr pouch system that the School Committee voted to fund in January, Principal Patrick Danby told the board on May...
by Michael Ballway | May 16, 2024 | Hilltowns, Local Headlines
OTIS — The article on the May 21 Town Meeting warrant says a new town annex building would cost $4.5 million, but that number could change based on construction costs and on whether voters want a larger building. At a public information meeting on May 14, Eric Young,...