Blandford Select Board Tables Key Items, Approves Severe Weather Policy

BLANDFORD -- February 26, 2024, Blandford Select Board approves severe weather policy and hears of a 5.69 percent school assessment hike. Gateway Regional Superintendent Lisa Smitty told the partial board at its February 26 meeting that Blandford's district assessment is projected to rise 5.69 percent, well above the district-wide average of 1.94 percent, due to enrollment growth of three students while other member towns declined. Smitty also disclosed a week-long fire watch at Chester Elementary in late January after a faulty fire pump transducer was discovered, and flagged coming mandatory multi-factor authentication requirements the district is seeking grant funding to meet. Joe Hagopian of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission reported that the town's $449,825 federal Community Development Block Grant, active since early 2021, has fully rehabilitated three homes at a combined cost of just over $100,000, with four projects still underway and a June 30 grant deadline looming. The board tabled a VADAR contract and the special town meeting warrant pending the return of board Chair Kara, and new Town Administrator Mike Slausick announced budget review sessions with the Finance Committee were beginning the same week.