EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton is on track for next year’s budgeting process, ahead of a season where the city will need to tighten its belt, Mayor Salem Derby said during a mayoral update at the City Council’s Dec. 16 meeting.
“I just want to be really clear that we’re going into a budget season where we’re going to have to look at tightening the belt a little bit,” Derby said at the meeting. “It’s not doom and gloom, there are factors that are kind of out of our control right now, health insurance being one of them. Just be mindful that is high on my radar.”
Derby said health insurance is one of the major components that needs to be addressed. Easthampton is a member of the Hampshire Country Group Insurance Trust that had two 20% increases on premiums this year, one effective July 1 and then Oct. 1.
He said budget packages are going to be sent to department heads in January in advance of building the budget. Derby said free cash is the only item the city is slightly behind on certifying, but everything else is on track.
He described the recent work from the finance team up to this point “amazing,” especially in a short period of time.
“We’re preparing for various timelines that are coming up to make sure we’re ready to do what we need to do, in order to protect the city,” Derby said.
Swearing-in ceremony
Easthampton will host its official swearing-in ceremony of the six newly elected city officials at noon on Friday, Jan. 2, 2025, at the Municipal Building on Payson Avenue.
Newly elected officials include Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby; At-Large City Councilors Kiam Jamrog-McQuaid, Nathan Markee and Jonathan Schmidt; Precinct 4 Councilor Amanda Newton; and School Committee member Bonnie Atkins.
Derby, Schmidt and Newton were already sworn-in at the City Council’s Nov. 19 meeting, due to multiple shifts on elected bodies following the Nov. 4 election — Derby filling the role of interim mayor, Newton filling Derby’s Precinct 4 councilor seat and Schmidt replacing previous interim At-Large Councilor Peg Conniff.
Additionally, Precinct 2 Councilor Felicia Jadczak was sworn-in, having replaced Homar Gómez after he was elected as state representative.
City Clerk Mary Ann Giza said this is her first inauguration ceremony, having begun her role as clerk in April this year. Since it is her first swearing-in ceremony, she said it remains to be seen if the elected officials that have already been sworn-in, will do it again.
School Committee departure
The Easthampton School Committee bid farewell to Timothy St. John at its Dec. 9 meeting. St. John is the only departing member this year.
Members took turns sharing memories and honoring St. John’s time on the committee.
“Tim never asks anyone to do something that he wouldn’t do himself, a thousand fold,” said School Committee Chair Laura Scott. “It is rare, it is so needed now and I just wish nothing but the best for you.”
Scott said it is a challenge to be a public servant and St. John has exemplified what it takes to be in that role. “It is no surprise to anyone in this community that Tim is an exceptional human being.”
School Committee Member Sam Hunter said St. John is never afraid to ask questions.
“It’s obviously great to have you in conversations and to have your voice as a part of the meeting, but it’s also really good to model to everyone in the community,” Hunter said.
School Committee Member Megan Ward Harvey reminisced about a time when St. john gave her some meaningful advice. Harvey said that St. John told her that to build trust between the public, and the School Committee specifically, one needs to first put trust in the community.
“(That) changed my life and you model that,” Harvey said. “You have been a great addition. We’re going to miss having you.”
St. John thanked the committee members for all the work they do. His seat will be filled by School Committee Elect Bonnie Atkins, at the turn of the new year.
“There’s just no words that can really be said about the efforts that it takes to accomplish the things that you all have accomplished,” he said.
Hearing set for solar generator
The Southampton Conservation Commission will host a public hearing in regards to a notice of intent permit application to install a free-standing solar generator facility located at 43 and 53 Pleasant St., at its Jan. 5 meeting.
According to a submitted narrative of the project, Manhan River LLC. is proposing to construct an approximately 5.5 megawatt solar array and associated battery energy storage system.
The proposed location is approximately 40 acres of three parcels located at 53 Pleasant St. The parcels have a collective land area of approximately 129 acres. According to the site description, currently the property is being used as hay and corn fields.
The public hearing was originally scheduled for the commission’s Dec. 15 online meeting, but it was moved to Jan. 5, at 6 p.m. at Southampton Town Hall.
Conservation Commission Chair Evan Huff said given the amount of people in the Zoom meeting, it would be better to have the public hearing in-person.
250th birthday winds down
Southampton’s 250th birthday year is coming to an end. A bonfire will be held on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. to end the town’s yearlong celebration.
At 4 p.m., winners of the house decorating contest will be announced, along with those that have completed the Points of Interest scavenger hunt.
Residents can still sign up for the scavenger hunt, with maps available to purchase at Southampton Town Hall, until Dec. 28. The scavenger hunt sends seekers to find and stamp off various locations around the town.
Throughout this year, a planning committee has held concerts, bingo nights and more for the 250th anniversary. Select Board Chair Christine Fowles said at the beginning of the year, organizing members figured that a quarter of a millennium cannot be celebrated in one day, and planned a yearlong celebration with events every month.