Sunderland boards chart two-budget path for fiscal 2027 budget shortfall. The Selectboard and Finance Committee directed departments to prepare dual budget scenarios: 5 percent cuts with a proposed tax override, or 20 percent cuts without. This response came after requests exceeded available
Sunderland Selectboard unanimously approved Police Academy funding for a new full-time officer. The 3-0 vote backed a memorandum of understanding with cost-recovery provisions if the officer leaves before specified tenure. The Selectboard and Finance Committee also extensively discussed fiscal 2027
Sunderland Selectboard voted to approve a Police Academy memorandum of understanding allowing cost recovery. The 3-0 vote authorized the town to recover training costs if the new officer left before completing a specified term. The joint Selectboard-Finance Committee meeting reviewed FY27 budget
Sunderland Selectboard reviewed multiple FY27 budget requests with substantial increases driven by health insurance and wage costs. Finance Director Shelley Poreda presented Sunderland Elementary School's budget request for a 15.95 percent increase or $572,899, featuring a second consecutive 20
Sunderland Finance Committee reviewed three major fiscal requests amid health insurance cost pressures. Finance Director Shelley Poreda presented the Sunderland Elementary School's FY27 budget request of $657,899 in town funding, a 15.95 percent increase over FY26 driven by 20 percent health
Board of Assessors approved property assessment reduction, veteran exemption.
The Sunderland Board of Health voted 3-0 to exit the Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District. Board members Mr. Ken Kushi, Mr. Dan Olanyk, and Ms. Kathern F. Pierce supported the move, citing discussion of the service's value. Health Agent Mr. Bruce Bennett (via speaker phone) will follow up with
Sunderland Selectboard denied retail liquor license renewal for Bubs Bar B Que, Inc., which failed to renew required permits by the December 31, 2025 deadline and had been operating without valid licenses. The board approved license renewals for eight establishments including Billys Beverages, Blue
The Selectboard and Finance Committee reviewed FY27 budget requests from the library, fire department, and building inspector. The library requested $8,000 for a non-benefitted staff member to support a sensory-friendly day, with grant funding ending April 30, 2026. Fire Chief Sam Benjamin
Sunderland Finance Committee heard FY27 budget reviews and learned health insurance costs will rise 8.5 percent. Library Director K. Umstot requested an additional $8,000 for sensory-friendly day staff support funded through April, while Fire Chief S. Benjamin sought a gradual wage increase for