HILLTOWNS – Wondering what to do with yourself this winter? Several area towns have been posting volunteer positions that are open and essential to small town government. Instead of hibernating, why not consider getting involved? You and your town will be glad you did.
Granville Selectboard members Theodore R. Sussmann Jr., Nicole M. Berndt and David K. Ripley listen as Town Administrator Matthew Streeter speaks May 13, 2019 during the Granville Annual Town Meeting. (Hope E. Tremblay Photo)
GRANVILLE OPENINGS (from the November 2019 Country Caller) “The efficient running of the municipality requires more than just town employees and elected officials. Volunteers are needed to keep the wheels of government turning. It is especially important in a small town where everyone needs to pitch in to do their civic part with their neighbors.”
Finance Committee: This is a critically important committee which sets the main policy document of the town: the budget; and has real impact on both taxes and quality of life for the citizens of Granville.
As Granville gets ready for another budget season, they need volunteers to participate on this essential committee in forming the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget to be presented at the Annual Town Meeting in 2020.
This is an excellent opportunity to serve the town in a rewarding manner.
Please consider some of these other vacancies on appointed boards & committees: Zoning Board of Appeals; Council on Aging, Open Space, Recreation Committee.
“Giving back to the community by service on a board or commission or through volunteering helps improve the quality of life for the residents of Granville.” Contact the Selectboard at (413) 357?8585 Ext. 0 if you are interested in volunteering or serving the community or if you have any thoughts or questions on positions.
New and reappointed board members are sworn in by Huntington Town Clerk Kathy Thomas before the start of Huntington’s Annual Town Meeting in June. (Photo by Amy Porter)
HUNTINGTON
The town of Huntington also posted several volunteer opportunities and town positions available, where they said “your skills and experience could really help!”
If you are interested in getting involved, please check out the town’s website at huntingtonma.us or call 413.512.5200 or email [email protected]. Current Selectboard Members are Karon Hathaway, Darlene McVeigh, and Ed Renauld.
Opportunties are available on the following town committees: Recreation Committee, Historical Commission, Finance Committee, Planning Board, Zoning Board, Hilltown Collaborative, Town Website Review and Redesign, and Whiting Street Fund.
Blandford Planning Board chair Richard Barnard answers questions on solar moratorium at town meeting in August. (Photo by Amy Porter)
BLANDFORD
Blandford needs dedicated residents to fill vacancies on town boards vital to town operations. These boards are the Finance Committee, Water Commissioner and Planning Board.
These boards are responsible for effective and efficient management an operation in their respective areas in order to safeguard local public resources, protect assets, and comply with standards and regulations as well as improve the quality of life for residents.
Chair of the Board of Selectmen Cara Letendre said, “Much of what we have accomplished in Town to-date is largely thanks to the Town residents who contribute on our local boards and make important decisions that impact the fabric of our community. If it’s not for them, I can’t imagine getting anything done.”
The Finance Committee is a three-year appointed position. The appointing committee is the Board of Selectmen, Moderator, and Town Clerk. The Finance Committee’s responsibility is the development of the Town’s annual budget and recommendations at the Town’s Annual Meeting. Blandford’s budget process begins in January when the Finance Committee meets with Town departments to go over their submitted budgets for the upcoming year. The Finance Committee works with the Town Administrator to prepare the budget and present it at the Annual Town Meeting in May.
The Water Commission is a three-member board that is responsible for the Town’s Water Department and water system subject to Federal and State laws. Currently there is one vacancy to be filled by appointment until the annual town election in May.
The Planning Board members are also elected. Right now, there is one vacancy to be filled temporarily by appointment until the position expires with the May 2023 election. The Planning Board is responsible for community planning, development, and land use. The Planning Board also initiates and proposes new zoning bylaws and review amendments to them.
“The ability to self-govern is the right of the people as citizens of this country and as Blandford residents. Maintaining that right is a great responsibility and requires citizens to step-up and take active roles in local government,” said Town Administrator Joshua A. Garcia.
Blandford residents interested in joining the Town Hall team and looking forward to putting into practice their right as a citizen of the Blandford community, please send a letter of interest to the attention of the Board of Selectmen and addressed to the Town Administrator at 1 Russell Stage Road, Blandford, MA 01008 or via email at [email protected].
