Volk Joins Legacy Banks as Commercial Lender

Print Story | Email Story
April J. Volk as Vice President, Commercial Relationship Officer
Pittsfield – Legacy Banks Executive Vice President Steven Pierce has announced the appointment of April J. Volk as Vice President, Commercial Relationship Officer. Volk brings with her over 26 years of banking experience, the majority of which was spent in commercial relationship development.

In her new role, she will work to continue developing Legacy’s commercial business in their New York market. Volk comes most recently from Key Bank, where she served as vice president/commercial relationship officer since 2006. Prior to that, she served in a similar capacity with Wilber National Bank. Additionally, Volk has served as an adjunct faculty member with SUNY Delhi teaching Business Finance.

Pierce welcomed Volk to Legacy saying that her commercial banking experience and professional network will serve Legacy’s New York market well. “While we have been servicing business customers in the Capital District and beyond for the past several years, we have recently increased this presence with the expansion of our New York branch network – now with 6 offices. April’s expertise and experience along with her personalized approach to customer relationships fits perfectly with Legacy’s community banking philosophy.”

Volk holds a BS in business administration from the State University of New York. She is a member of the Allocations Committee for the United Way of Ulster County as well as a Board member of the Ulster County YWCA. Recently, she won a U.S. Small Business Administration Financial Services Champion of the Year for the New York District Office. Volk resides in Voorheesville, NY. 

Legacy Banks offers personal banking, including the newly developed Smart Banking Relationship Program and Mortgage Lending, as well as Commercial Services, Insurance, Investments, Portfolio Management, and Online Services. In addition to 17 offices throughout Berkshire County, Massachusetts and eastern New York, Legacy operates a Loan Production Office in Colonie, New York. Those interested in learning more, may call Legacy at 800-292-6634 or visit www.LegacyBanks.com.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Lanesborough Town Meeting to Vote Budget, Bylaws & Vehicle Purchases

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Tuesday's annual town meeting includes a $14 million operating budget, new short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units and sign bylaws, and free cash article appropriations.

Voters will gather at Lanesborough Elementary School on June 9 at 6 p.m. to decide on 20 warrant articles.

The fiscal 2027 budget is up a little over 10 percent. Some of the main increases are the Mount Greylock Regional School District and McCann Technical School: the McCann assessment is up more than 30 percent based on factors including enrollment and the school renovation project, and Mount Greylock's is up 11 percent.

Article 11 is for the town to vote to approve from free cash the sum of $16,298.48 for the McCann Technical School roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. Article 3 is  appropriate $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School assessment.

Another notable increase was in life and health insurance, showing an increase of about 26 percent.

Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. One of the articles asks the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses.

Many town departments are looking for new vehicles. The Fire Department is looking to replace its outdated 1996 fire engine. There are two articles related to the truck at a total of $813,366. Article 12 would transfer $225,000 from free cash into the Fire Truck Stabilization Fund; Article 13 would transfer $605,000 from the fund and authorize the borrowing of $208,366.08.

The total includes a $100,000 contingency cost to cover any additional costs if a 2026 model-year chassis cannot be secured before new emissions standards go into effect in 2027.

The board at its last meeting moved the $225,000 transfer to come before the borrowing article, changing the stabilization number. If the $225,000 is not voted on, then they will amend the next article's number on the floor, subtracting the $225,000. This shows the borrowing number significantly lower.

Article 17 asks for the transfer of $80,000 from free cash to replace a police cruiser.

Police Chief Rob Derksen's aim is to replace one vehicle every other year, meaning the oldest vehicle gets replaced about every 10 years. 

He stressed that if delayed this year, the town may have to double up in a future year to get back on schedule, and that paying later usually costs more. The article will ask for $80,000 from free cash, the vehicles used to be funded by the BHRD.

Lastly, the Highway Department is looking to replace a 2014 International dump truck that will be a total of $330,000 and will take two to three years to receive.

Money will be used from last year's approval of $250,000 from free cash for the replacement of a 2012 highway front-end loader that was underspent $49,261. Town meeting is being asked to approve  a transfer of $53,274.85 from free cash and the use of $227,464 from funds from the Sale of Town Real Estate to fund the balance.

Other free cash proposals include $1,200 to purchase software to support tracking and ongoing maintenance schedules of town-owned vehicles; $42,000 for the replacement of the Highway Department's storage shed roof, $200,000 to reduce the tax levy.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories