Hinsdale Select Board opts out of early voting by mail, appoints two part‑time officers

The Hinsdale Select Board voted on Feb. 25 to opt out of offering early voting by mail for the town’s May 23, 2026 annual election, the board appointed two part‑time police officers and authorized the town administrator to sign a contract renewal.

Town Clerk Dawn Frissell requested the board opt out of early voting by mail, noting that absentee ballots remain available for voters. Select Board member Bart Collins moved to opt out and Ray Huntoon seconded; the motion passed and the roll call recorded Ray Huntoon — Yes and Bart Collins — Yes.

The decision follows state law allowing municipalities to choose whether to offer early voting by mail for local elections. The board did not adopt a policy to expand mail early voting; it recorded the opt‑out motion and closed the hearing.

Chief Bruce Cullett presented two candidates for part‑time appointment to the Hinsdale Police Department. Michael Perkins, who began law enforcement service in 1999 and has worked as a chief and assistant emergency management director in other towns, and Jason Breault, who has served since 2007 and previously led the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office 911 dispatch center, were both nominated. Ray Huntoon moved to appoint Perkins and Breault and Bart Collins seconded; the appointments were approved by voice vote.

The board also moved to authorize Town Administrator Bob Graves to sign the FFD Enterprises HCA renewal. Bart Collins made the motion; Ray Huntoon seconded and the board approved the authorization by voice vote.

In department reports, Town Administrator Bob Graves said he is applying for several regional grants, including funding for unpaved roads and dam mapping, and is preparing the budget for the March 7 meeting. "I am applying for several regional grants, including funds for unpaved roads and dam mapping," Graves said.

DPW Superintendent James Callahan reported routine plowing and that the plant has been operating well. Callahan said he is seeking quotes to re‑sand the water filter beds and to install flow and elevation sensors; he reported one vendor’s quote to re‑sand exceeded $100,000 while a quote from Robert Collins was $53,000. "One company’s quote was over $100,000, and Robert Collins’ quote was $53,000," Callahan said. He added the town should learn in early March whether it received a grant for a loader.

Finance Chair Shaun Galliher announced a budget meeting on March 5 and a separate department heads’ budget meeting on March 7 and recommended the town submit a letter to Governor Healey about rural aid, noting another local official, Dalton, had already written on the issue.

The meeting opened at 6:30 p.m. and adjourned at 7:01 p.m. with Ray Huntoon moving and Bart Collins seconding the adjournment.