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Chair warns of fiscal stakes in Eversource expansion; intervenor work winding down
Summary
Chair Jacqueline Coury told the Board EPSEC's work is ending June 17 and said the town faces major revenue trade-offs: she estimated a $350,000 loss if Eversource left and reported the Assessor's Office projected tax revenue increases 'upward of $800,000' from the expansion.
At the June 15 meeting, Select Board Chair Jacqueline Coury updated members on the EPSEC intervenor effort and the approaching June 17 committee closeout. Coury said she cannot continue extensive intervenor work in addition to her Board duties and that the intervenor role has required "an enormous amount of hours and study."
Coury warned about fiscal trade-offs associated with Eversource activity in town: she said if Eversource were to leave Blandford the town would be "out $350,000 in taxes," which would raise the tax rate, and that the Assessor's Office estimated tax income could increase by "upward of $800,000" from the Eversource expansion. She framed the issue as a complex, time-intensive matter requiring clear public disclosure about potential tax impacts and the scope of intervenor efforts.
Corinne Shartrand thanked EPSEC volunteers for their work, calling them "wonderful" and noting their efforts to protect the town. The Board did not take a formal vote on EPSEC at this meeting; Coury said future department-head discussions may occur when vendors submit applications.
