Belchertown Select Board adopts federal-matters policy in 4-1 vote
Belchertown Select Board voted 4-1 to adopt a formal policy limiting official commentary on federal matters to issues with direct local impact.
Topic
Government
A collection of 148 issues
Age & Dementia Friendly Group reviews grant setback, plans Memory Café launch.
The Age & Dementia Friendly Implementation Group approved prior meeting minutes and discussed grant updates and new programming. The group's AARP Community Challenge Grant application for $18,750 in benches, kiosks, and materials was not selected due to overwhelming demand, though Jessica Langlois
Historical Commission approves November minutes, discusses grants and preservation projects.
The Belchertown Historical Commission approved November 2025 minutes and advanced several preservation initiatives. Cemetery stone restoration received $9,800 in Community Preservation Committee funding, while a $25,000 administrative request for the Greenway rail trail project was denied.
Cultural Council approves nearly $20,000 in 2026 spending priorities
Belchertown Cultural Council approves approximately $19,000 in cultural spending for fiscal 2026. Chair Melanie Donovan led the council to unanimously approve allocations including $6,000 for a functional sculpture and plaque, $4,200 for spring arts and kids events week, $3,500 for winter light
Board approves exemptions, Chapter 61 applications, and abatements
Belchertown Board of Assessors approves exemptions and Chapter 61 applications in January meeting. The board approved multiple FY26 property tax exemptions and FY27 Chapter 61 and Chapter 61A applications on January 27, along with abatements for town-donated land and one property valuation