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A collection of 35 issues

Select Board approves 5.98 percent budget increase for annual Town Meeting.

The Chester Select Board unanimously recommended a fiscal year 2027 operating budget with a 5.98 percent increase that includes all debt payments in the operating budget, according to Finance Committee Chair Florence Bolduc. Chair Brian Forgue moved the measure; Jill Strong seconded. The board also

Finance Committee narrows $38,000 budget deficit through targeted reductions.

Chester Finance Committee approves targeted cuts to narrow $38,000 budget shortfall. Chair Florence Bolduc oversaw reductions including Fire Chief salary set at $14,875 under a motion by member Bob Daley to honor prior-year compensation commitments, a $4,081 Assessor principal reduction through

CMELD approves working capital trust with MMWEC for expanded services.

The Chester Municipal Electric Light Department Commissioners unanimously approved establishment of a working capital trust account with Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) for expanded joint action services. Chairman Deryck Savoy, Commissioner Lori Fieldstad, and

Finance Committee reviews tax collector and town clerk budgets; Police and COA presentations pending further review

Chester Finance Committee defers action on departmental budgets pending additional records. The Tax Collector and Police Chief each requested a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment and 2 percent performance review increase; the Police Chief said she would accept those terms. Council on Aging

Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee approves FY27 budget, grants.

Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee approves $228,000 FY27 budget with federal increase. The budget includes a $10,000 boost in base federal funding and an anticipated $8,000 partnership grant for an interactive watershed map showing designated sections, access points, conservation parcels, and