Tell Massachusetts Policy Makers to Keep Their Priorities Straight
Mayor Macksey Sets Ambitious Agenda for North Adams in 2026
North Adams Mayor Jennifer Macksey enters her third term with a packed agenda for 2026. Fresh off her election win, she’s pushing forward on major priorities…
Baystate Health Launches Voluntary Separation Program Amid Financial Pressures
Baystate Health, one of the largest employers in Western Massachusetts, has announced a voluntary buyout program for employees in non–direct-patient-care roles across the system and its subsidiary, Health New England…
Vineyard Voters to Weigh in on $340M School Renovation Plan
The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School committee voted 7–1 to hold an Islandwide election in 2026 to decide local funding for a major high school building project…
Marblehead Officials Warn of Challenging Financial Outlook
Marblehead officials are warning of a challenging financial outlook for Fiscal Year 2027, as rising costs and slowing revenue growth strain the town’s budget…
State Freezes Holyoke’s Local Aid Over Unreconciled Finances for the Second Time in 2025
For the second time in 2025, Massachusetts has halted millions in local aid payments to Holyoke due to the city’s failure to reconcile its cash accounts and submit required financial reports…
Hampden County Sheriffs Cite Rising Costs Amid Budget Scrutiny
Massachusetts sheriffs are facing intense scrutiny from lawmakers after over spending in multiple counties, with Hampden County being $27 million over budget…
Hadley Faces Budget Shortfall
Hadley is facing a significant budget shortfall following a failed passage of two property tax override questions…
Hadley Fire Department Faces Staffing Cuts, Leaving Neighboring Communities Concerned
Hadley is confronting a budget shortfall that could force cuts to its fire department, a move raising concern not only locally but among neighboring communities…
Municipalities Face ‘Perfect Storm’ of Fiscal Pressures
Massachusetts cities and towns are grappling with what municipal leaders are calling a “perfect storm” of fiscal pressures…
Longmeadow Residents Approve $151 Million Middle School Project
Longmeadow residents have voted to fund a $151 million new middle school project, replacing the aging Glenbrook and Williams Middle Schools…
Southwick Decides Against Government Owned Broadband
On May 20, Southwick held its annual Town Meeting, giving residents the opportunity to vote on several key issues affecting their community. One of the most significant proposals was whether the town should borrow $16 million to fund a town-owned broadband network…
Is Whip City Fiber a House of Cards?
There is increasing concern among Western Mass residents about the rapid decision-making process affecting vital community resources without adequate public input—a situation that could worsen with high-cost broadband projects that are not a critical community need…
West Springfield Mayor Calls for Transparency From Eversource, but Why Not Whip City Fiber?
[West Springfield] Recently, West Springfield’s Mayor, William Reichelt, submitted a resolution to the West Springfield Town Council seeking a full investigation into Eversource, a local utility company. This comes after West Springfield residents noticed an unexpected increase in their monthly utility bills…
Southwick Announces Increased Sewer Rates as Debt Concerns Continue to Rise
[Southwick] Recently, the Southwick Water Commissioners voted unanimously to raise sewer rates in the city. This came after prolonged discussions spanning the course of last year because no one wanted to see these rate increases happen…
How Budget Concerns in Beacon Hill Could Collapse the House of Cards Southwick Plans to Build.
[Southwick] Recently, concerns have begun to arise from lawmakers on Beacon Hill around the budget for the fiscal year 2026. The numerous factors causing the concern stem from decreases in tax revenue combined with post-COVID spending, leading to growing concerns that budget cuts will have to be made to key programs…
MUNICIPAL BROADBAND: Southwick’s Survey Strategy Draws Criticism for Lack of Clarity and Transparency
[Southwick] As Southwick moves forward with plans to potentially build a town-owned fiber optic network, significant questions about the survey process designed to measure community support have emerged…
MUNICIPAL BROADBAND: Southwick’s Fiber Network Proposal Faces Scrutiny Amid Financial Uncertainties
Southwick’s Select Board has launched a community survey to gauge interest in a proposed $15 million town-owned fiber optic network, amid concerns about the project's financial feasibility. The High Speed Internet Committee (HSIC) seeks to understand public support before requesting borrowing authorization at the upcoming Annual Town Meeting…
West Springfield Looks to Expand Police Headquarters
[West Springfield] As the West Springfield Police Department continues to explore options for addressing the issue of their outdated facilities, Police Sergeant Joseph LaFrance provided several reasons why the department is seeking a new location…
Letter: Answers Needed on Fiber Project
A letter to the editor was published in the Springfield Republican, expressing concerns about Longmeadow’s proposal for a $23 million municipal fiber-optic network…
Southwick Risks Taxpayer Money on Uncertain Fiber-Optic Network Demand
October 5, 2024 - Southwick is considering a $15 million bond to fund a municipal fiber-optic network, pending a survey to assess demand…