Williamstown Annual Town Meeting Recap

May 19, 2026 | Williamstown Elementary School

What started as a quick-moving meeting turned into another town meeting full of long debates and some important votes. The most intense discussions of the evening were held over Article 16 — the school district budget, which saw a floor amendment to fund a math interventionist position at West Elementary and sparked a passionate back-and-forth about our kids' futures, our fiscal limits, and where we place our trust — and a lively debate over the CPC-funded skatepark. The meeting opened right on time at 7:00 PM but didn't wrap up until around 10:00 PM. 

As always, a huge thanks to everyone who came out, spent their evening debating, voting, and listening to their neighbors. And thanks as well to anyone who wasn't able to attend in person but was still able to be part of the evening through the wonderful work of Willinet's live stream!

Opening Honors

The evening opened with two special recognitions. The Scarborough-Flynt Service Award was presented to Win Chenail, owner of Mt. Greylock Dairy Farm, who has been managing the farm since the 1950s. Chenail thanked his family and fellow farmers for their contributions to the community, and delighted the crowd with a note that "the sweet corn is already up and growing." The moderator reflected on the significance of the award, noting that fewer than 10 dairy farms remain in Berkshire County — the largest dairy county in the state — making each farm and farmer all the more vital.

The League of Women Voters Award was presented by Anne Skinner, President of the Williamstown League of Women Voters, to Angie Zimmerman, who was unable to attend. The moderator also recognized and thanked all committee members whose terms are expiring.

The meeting included a brief reflection on the 250th anniversary of American independence, with the moderator noting that on June 24, 1776, Williamstown residents pledged their lives and fortunes in support of independence and democracy — a fitting backdrop for an evening of direct democracy.

Budget & Financial Articles

Several routine financial articles passed quickly and unanimously, including appropriations for debt service ($343,238 for the police station bond), the Finance Committee Reserve Fund ($50,000), Other Post-Employment Benefits ($50,000), Chapter 90 highway funds for road repaving, and the revolving fund spending limits.

The Capital Improvement Program (Article 4, $1,450,470) generated brief discussion. A resident questioned the $12,500 line item for new voting booths, noting the current machines work fine. Town Clerk Fred Pudster clarified these are booths, not machines — more compact, quicker to set up, and requiring no electricity. The article passed by majority vote.

Water and sewer rates both saw their first increases in four years: the water rate rises from $3.85 to $4.04 per 100 cubic feet, the sewer rate from $3.31 to $3.73, and the Hoosac Water Quality District rate from $5.09 to $5.44. All related articles passed.

General Government funding of $10,902,798 — a 2.53% increase — passed, as did the town's share of the Northern Berkshire Vocational Regional School District budget ($344,856, an 18.44% decrease due to reduced enrollment).

The Big Debate: School Budget Amendment (Article 16)

The most spirited discussion of the evening centered on the Mt. Greylock Regional School District budget (Williamstown's share: $16,843,270 — a 13.65% increase over last year, driven largely by higher health insurance costs and special education placements).

A floor amendment was introduced to add $120,000 to the budget to fund a math interventionist position at Williamstown Elementary School. The amendment touched off an extended and passionate debate.

In favor: Supporters cited alarming data — roughly 40% of West Elementary students are performing below grade level in math by at least one grade level. The position had been independently identified as a top priority by both the elementary school staff and Mt. Greylock. Parents described compounding losses since a previous math specialist position was cut, and noted the high-needs population at West has grown significantly. Several speakers argued the cost — less than 1% of the overall budget — was a small price for a large multiplier effect. "Time is not on our kids' side," said one parent.

In opposition: Critics urged patience with the new math curriculum, which is in its first year of implementation. School Committee Chair Julie reminded the room that the committee had unanimously approved the budget as presented, calling the district "strong," while acknowledging room for improvement. School Board Finance Committee member Carrie Green noted that adding $120,000 moves the town closer to a Proposition 2½ override. Others raised concerns about recurring costs and the importance of trusting the school committee's process.

The amendment passed: Yes 233, No 99. The amended school budget then passed by majority voice vote.

Environmental & Conservation Measures

Article 18 — Ban on Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs): A citizen petition to authorize the Select Board to seek state legislation banning SGARs on both public and private property. Proponents cited dangers to raptors, foxes, pets, and children; the chemicals are already banned for retail sale due to their toxicity. The article does not include an enforcement clause — passage would simply mean licensed pest professionals would stop using them. Passed: Yes 268, No 35.

Article 19 — Prohibition on Land Application of Sewage Sludge: A citizen petition banning the application of sewage sludge and biosolids — which often contain PFAS ("forever chemicals") — on any land within Williamstown. Supporters noted existing PFAS contamination in the town's treatment plant and a current "do not eat" advisory on local rivers. One opponent raised enforcement concerns and suggested waiting for state action. Passed: Yes 235, No 57.

Article 20 — Single-Use Bag Bylaw Updates: A citizen petition to close loopholes in Williamstown's 2015 bag ban, expanding it to all entities (including food pantries), banning thicker "reusable" plastic bags that studies show rarely get reused, and de-emphasizing compostable plastics. Wild Oats indicated support. Some opposition focused on costs to businesses and consumers. Passed: Yes 167, No 105.

Housing & Zoning

Article 21 — Digital Legal Notices: An article giving the town flexibility to publish required legal notices in digital formats. It narrowly failed on a voice vote: Yes 123, No 126.

Article 22 — Property Tax Exemption: Increased income and asset limits for the over-60 property tax exemption (income limits raised to $44,000/$66,000; asset limit to $100,000), following a home rule petition approved by the state in February. Passed unanimously.

Article 23 — Seasonal Community Designation: Williamstown voted to accept the state's Seasonal Community designation, recognizing the town's housing challenges due to seasonal population swings and a high rate of second homes. The designation opens the door to new housing tools and state funding, and requires zoning that supports smaller, more affordable housing. Passed unanimously.

Article 24 — Accessory Dwelling Units: Brought Williamstown's zoning into compliance with the state's Affordable Homes Act of 2024 by allowing ADUs by right in all residential zones (including RR1), removing the dedicated parking requirement, and eliminating the special permit requirement on nonconforming lots. A voluntary change also removed a 5-year waiting period. Passed by majority.

Article 25 — Property Acquisition: Authorized the Select Board to acquire 8.25 acres on New Ashford Road. Passed unanimously.

Community Preservation Committee (Articles 26–32)

The CPC presented a slate of grants for FY2027:

• Article 26 — $5,000 for CPC administrative expenses. Passed unanimously.
• Article 27 — $20,000 grant to Sand Springs Pool & Recreation Center for sauna and hot tub expansion. Some debate over whether Sand Springs met the CPC's merit and need thresholds (it ranked last in merit scoring); supporters emphasized its role as the town's only public guarded waterfront and a genuine community "third place." Passed: Yes 190, No 48.
• Article 28 — $145,000 to the Williamstown Affordable Housing Trust. Passed unanimously.
• Article 29 — $350,000 to Purple Valley Trails for a new cast-in-place concrete skatepark. The most debated CPC item: supporters called it a long-overdue investment in a 40–50 year asset and a critical third space for teenagers; opponents questioned the price and equity. A 17-year-old resident spoke in favor. The question was called (requiring 2/3): Yes 164, No 51. The subsequent simple majority vote passed: Yes 131, No 77.
• Article 30 — $7,700 to the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation for the Margaret Lindley Park accessible trail. Passed unanimously.
• Article 31 — $25,000 to the Williamstown Agricultural Commission for a farmland preservation fund. Brief debate over oversight of the funds; the Agricultural Commission Chair noted both the Finance and Select Boards had approved it and that the state statute specifically enables these funds. Passed by majority.
• Article 32 — $62,408 for historic preservation, including grants to Images Cinema ($20,323 for lobby restoration), Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation ($25,000 for historic barn renovation), and the Williamstown Historical Museum ($4,000 for a historic doctor's buggy), with $13,085 reserved for future use. Passed by majority.
  

Town Meeting adjourned following action on all 32 articles.