Belchertown Select Board sets May 11 town meeting, declares snow emergency

BELCHERTOWN -- March 2, 2026, Belchertown Select Board sets May 11 town meetings and declares a snow emergency over a projected $40,000 deficit. The board voted unanimously Monday to schedule both its special town meeting at 6:30 p.m. and its annual town meeting at 7 p.m. on May 11 at Belchertown High School, with warrant article deadlines of March 17 and March 24 respectively. Town Manager Steve Williams reported the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust's new $250/$500 deductible plan is projected to cut the town's health insurance rate increase from 16 percent to 12.5 percent, while a single outside quote came in at 13.5 percent above current rates with higher deductibles, making a move away from the trust unlikely. Williams also outlined a plan to repay in full, within the same fiscal year, the stabilization fund loan used to cover health insurance costs, with the school department already voting to return $200,000. The board deferred a vote on adopting MGL Chapter 32B health insurance plan-change provisions to March 16, when it is also expected to weigh in on FY27 budget questions including a possible new long-term borrowing of approximately $250,000 per year.