EASTHAMPTON — In the very first meeting for two new councilors, the Easthampton City Council voted for a resolution in support of workers’ rights and approved the city’s tax classification for fiscal year 2026.
At the beginning of its Nov. 19 meeting, City Clerk Mary Ann Giza swore in former interim Mayor Salem Derby, Councilor-at-Large Jonathan Schmidt and Precinct 4 Councilor Amanda Newton
She also swore in Councilor Felicia Jadczak, of Precinct 2, who had been serving out Homar Gomez’s seat, who was elected to the state legislature last year as a representative.
After the ceremonial moments, Principal Assessor Martha Leamy presented her annual overview of the options for tax classification for the city for FY26. Although the city could choose a split rate between residential and commercial, industrial, and personal (CIP) property, Leamy suggested that it maintain the same rate for both, with no small business or residential exemption. She explained that the city would need to have the CIP be closer to 25% of the tax distribution for a split rate to make sense. It currently stands at 12%, with residential properties making up 88%.
Leamy explained that the tax rate will be set at a later date when all the information is in. However, it looks like the valuation of homes is up about $26,000, which will likely mean an increase of about 7% on property taxes. She added that the increased valuation comes from home sales in 2024, the last year information is available, and those sales saw many homes receiving over the asking price and being paid with cash.
“These are not good times,” conceded Leamy.
After hearing from several local union members in support of unionized workers, the council voted unanimously to support a resolution of union workers’ rights. The resolution noted that such “freedom of association is a fundamental right.” Speakers explained that unions provide workers with better pay and benefits, and give them more of a voice when advocating for better working conditions.
Councilor Thomas Peake noted that there is a “relationship between the strength of labor and the strength of democracy.”
During public speak time, several residents spoke about Derby’s recent decision to change the position of executive assistant to the mayor to one of administrative assistant, more in line with what other city department heads have. Residents expressed concern that this move looks political because Executive Assistant Lindsi Sekula ran against Derby for mayor, and that the move is being made before Derby has had time to really understand the expectations and demands of being a mayor.
However, other residents commended the decision as fiscally responsible and praised Derby for wanting to take on all the responsibilities of being mayor. During the time for mayor communications, Derby explained that he wouldn’t discuss personnel matters during a meeting, but he would “love to talk to anybody individually.”
