AI Summary:The meeting began with standard approvals and then dove into several important topics affecting our town. There was a major update about a 20% health insurance rate increase from the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust, sparking a long discussion on its impact for employees, retirees, and the town’s budget. The Select Board also reviewed requests for use of the town hall parking lot during the fair, ultimately siding with tradition but asking groups to collaborate better in the future. Other highlights included ongoing goal-setting for the coming year, a renewed look at allowing public comments at meetings, and logistical decisions around upcoming projects, grants, and policies. Public engagement and fiscal responsibility were major themes throughout.

0:00 Call to Order1:10 Pledge of Allegiance1:30 Approval of Minutes2:00 Hickory Hill Subdivision Easements3:50 Public Hearing Alteration of Premises - Kansai6:20 Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust Update37:00 Check in with attendees38:00 Request to use Town Parking Lot during Fair Weekend1:04:35 Goals and Objectives2:30:05 5 Minute Break2:34:40 Public Comment During Select Board Meetings2:45:40 Food Truck Vendors Access to Public Space2:56:15 Tax Work-Off Program3:06:38 Franklin School Sale3:07:49 Town Managers Report3:15:19 Weekly Mail3:22:38 Individual Board Members Report3:26:29 Move into Executive SessionView Minutes Here: https://www.belchertown.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042025-1016

AI Summary: At the August Tri‑Board meeting, Belchertown’s Select Board, Finance Committee, and School Committee tackled a nearly $900,000 health insurance budget gap caused by steep premium increases and depleted reserves in the town’s insurance trust. Leaving the trust now was deemed impractical, so members focused on a one‑year fix without raising taxes. The leading idea is to cover 60% of the shortfall from the Stabilization Fund as an “internal loan,” with the rest made up through cuts or savings in each budget, then repay the loan over three years using Free Cash. Other tools—like pausing the OPEB contribution, keeping the 60/40 Free Cash split for one more year, and finding small savings—are on the table. Closing Cold Spring School remains a possible future cost‑cut, but not mid‑year to avoid disrupting students. All agreed employee and student stability comes first, and residents will have the final say at a Special Town Meeting after a September 8 joint session finalizes the plan.0:00 Public Comment3:50 Discussion with Finance and School Committee regarding healthcare insurance financial impacts and budgeting options

View Minutes Here: https://www.belchertown.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112025-1024

Audio from the full-length Belchertown Select Board meeting that took place on May 19th, 2025 at Belchertown Town Hall.

View Minutes Here: https://www.belchertown.org/AgendaCen...AI SummaryAt the May 19th Belchertown Select Board meeting, the board approved the minutes from previous meetings and welcomed a presentation from the town’s Branding Committee, which unveiled the final recommended town logo after a year-long process involving extensive community engagement, surveys, and public input. The logo, which received strong support in a community vote, aims to reflect Belchertown’s rural, agricultural, and natural features, though some board members discussed whether it could be even more specific to recognizable local landmarks. The board ultimately approved the logo, allowing the committee to move forward with branding guidelines and wayfinding projects. The meeting also included a unanimous endorsement of the upcoming Annual Town Meeting warrant, discussion and approval of a proclamation celebrating the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s farewell tour (with a special event planned for June 14th), and updates on various town projects and grants. The session concluded with board member reports, expressions of gratitude for outgoing member Ed’s years of service, and a reminder of the importance of teamwork in moving Belchertown forward.