Hubbardston board approves DLTA submission, authorizes signature on $75,000 rural development award; finance staff emphasize Schedule A deadline

The Hubbardston Select Board on Monday approved several grant-related actions and received a finance update focused on state reporting deadlines.

Staff requested and the board approved resubmitting a District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) application—about $4,500—to support revisions to the town’s commercial zoning districts and a GIS mapping analysis. The Planning Board previously indicated support for the proposal; the Select Board voted to approve the submission and to place the application on Select Board letterhead so the regional planning agency can proceed.

Separately, staff briefed the board on an existing U.S. Department of Agriculture rural development-related award for site readiness at 21 Gardner Road (FY26) in the amount of $75,000. Because the prior contract signee had departed, the board moved and carried a motion to authorize the town clerk or another person designated by the chair to sign on behalf of the town so the award can be accepted and processed.

On finance, staff reported the finance committee approved two reserve fund transfers (plowing: $3,000; police: $14,000) and that the town must file its Schedule A before Feb. 1. Staff warned that failing to file Schedule A could trigger state aid withholding; free cash cannot be certified until FY25 books are closed and any discrepancies are reconciled.

Board members assigned follow-up to staff to confirm grant paperwork and to coordinate signatures once legal and administrative questions are resolved.