At a glance: Orange board approves bids, benefits waivers and tax refunds

The Board of Selectmen approved several routine but consequential items during its October meeting.

Snowplowing contracts: Town Engineer Bob Brighton presented highway department recommendations favoring nearby firms. The board approved awards to provide two small trucks and four large trucks to support winter operations, relying in part on local firms the town has used previously.

Community event fee waiver: The board approved a request from George Leco of the Orange Lions to waive janitorial fees for the Lions’ Nov. 14 fundraiser, after a motion, second and vote on the floor.

Custodial rates and union ratification: The board approved proposed increases to custodial overtime rates tied to a tentative agreement with United Public Service Employees Union Local 424 Unit 21; those rate changes were approved pending final ratification and execution of the contract after executive session.

Waiver of medical benefits: The board approved a revised list to waive town medical benefits for 33 employees who decline town coverage (a stipend arrangement was described in the meeting); the stipend is a $2,000 annual payment, prorated for employees who begin midyear.

Meeting schedule and tax refunds: The board adjusted the 2026 meeting schedule to change the November meeting date and approved tax refunds totaling $77,278.62, noting that Amazon Logistics Silver accounted for about $65,000 of the refunds.

Where relevant, motions were moved and seconded on the record; full award and waiver lists will be included in the official minutes and supporting documents posted by the town.