North Brookfield Town Meeting approves digital legal notices and establishes revolving funds

The North Brookfield Town Meeting on June 13, 2025, saw significant discussions surrounding financial efficiency and public health initiatives, reflecting the community's commitment to transparency and responsible governance.

One of the key motions passed was to authorize the Board of Selectmen to petition the state legislature for a special law that would allow the town to publish legal notices digitally, rather than in local newspapers. This change aims to save the town over $1,000 annually, which has been spent on legal notices in print. Town Clerk Tara Hayes explained that while the town will transition to a dedicated webpage for these notices, residents who are directly affected by legal matters will still receive mailed notifications. This move not only reduces costs but also modernizes the way the town communicates important information to its residents.

Another significant decision was the establishment of a tobacco control revolving fund. This fund, approved by a two-thirds vote, will allow the Board of Health to manage revenues from tobacco sales violations and support programs related to tobacco use and inspection services. Ethan from the Board of Health highlighted the necessity of this fund, especially as current grant funding for inspectional services is not guaranteed to continue.

Additionally, the town voted to create a records request revolving fund for the police department. This fund will enable the department to manage fees collected from public records requests, allowing for better allocation of resources for staff and equipment needed to fulfill these requests. The separation of this fund from the general budget was questioned by residents, indicating a desire for clarity on how public funds are utilized.

Overall, the meeting underscored North Brookfield's proactive approach to governance, focusing on cost-saving measures and enhancing public health initiatives. As the town moves forward with these changes, residents can expect more efficient communication and improved public services that align with community needs.