Belchertown Select Board adopts federal-matters policy in 4-1 vote

BELCHERTOWN -- February 2, 2026, Belchertown Select Board voted 4-1 to adopt a formal policy limiting official commentary on federal matters to issues with direct local impact. The policy, drafted by Chair Lisa Stall and member Nicole Gagne after legal review, requires any federal-matter statement to be agenda-posted, deliberated in open session, and approved by majority vote; one member abstained. The board also voted unanimously to follow labor attorney Mark Terry to his new firm, Stone Chandler and Miller LLP, at a held rate of $260 per hour for 18 months, below Amer O'Connell's announced July 1 rate of $275. Human Resources Director Joanne reported the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust received roughly $3 million in pharmacy rebates against a $2 million projection, but the trust's consultant Hill is still recommending a 16 percent premium increase for July 1, along with new deductibles of $500 individual and $1,000 family; an April 1 deadline looms for any decision to leave the trust. The board also authorized a land swap to resolve a driveway encroachment on a South Road conservation parcel and cleared a grant application for a 127-acre parcel abutting Quabbin Reservoir.