State Releases Additional Aid For Cities and Towns

Staff Reports01:17PM / Monday, October 10, 2011Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON, Mass. — After closing the 2011 books, the state is giving $65 million back to cities and towns.

State Sen. Benjamin Downing, D - Pittsfield, announced the updated figures on Friday and municipalities should expect the money by the end of the month. The money will be distributed to ensure that no city or town receives less in direct aid than it received in Fiscal Year 2011, according to Downing.

"This additional payment represents a commitment my colleagues and I made to our communities back home during the Senate’s budget debate in the spring to provide as much Local Aid support as possible this fiscal year," said Downing. "I hope this additional funding will help cities and towns advance projects and provide local services this year."

An additional $1.5 million will be distributed to the 48 western communities of Downing’s Berkshire, Hampshire and Franklin Senate District. The payments will be made by the State Comptroller by October 31, 2011.

Additional payments to the cities and towns of the Berkshires:

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And North adams gets what?
from: Question	on: 10-10-2011 03:42PM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (6)

And North Adams gets what?
from: question	on: 10-10-2011 04:06PM I Agree (1) - I Disagree (7)

Lets be transparent and tell how much North Adams received. It would be nice for some of it to go for the new school before any of it is given away.
from: RealWayne	on: 10-10-2011 06:57PM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (6)

North Adams received $271,000 more, funds expected to offset the $424,000 deficit for fiscal 2012. The amount is listed on the document in the story.
from: Editor	on: 10-10-2011 07:09PM I Agree (5) - I Disagree (1)

You have to scroll down to see the towns after Monterey, that's what the arrow thingy is for.
from: Silly	on: 10-10-2011 09:34PM I Agree (3) - I Disagree (0)

So it would be fair to day the 2012 deficit is now @150k yes?
from: Question	on: 10-11-2011 07:29AM I Agree (3) - I Disagree (0)

This shows that the over 1800 people that voted down the override were correct not the mayor and most of the city council.
from: RealWayne	on: 10-11-2011 08:18AM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (3)

So I dont want to hear anymore about how Mayor Alcombright has to be elected because we have a huge deficit......another scare tactic.....it is $151k.
from: Enough	on: 10-11-2011 09:17AM I Agree (5) - I Disagree (4)

So what will the mayor use a platform now? Vote for me so I can tax you more for the Alcombright School of Scare Tactics?
from: Platform	on: 10-11-2011 12:40PM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (4)

Billsville didn't get very much. Other smaller towns got more. Is this a result of something they did or didn't do? Just askin.'
from: Williamstown	on: 10-11-2011 01:06PM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (1)
Editor: The amount of local aid doled out is based on a complex equation. Williamstown doesn't historically get as much as some of the other towns, and therefore doesn't rely on it as much.
I Agree (1) - I Disagree (0)

The editor is wrong when she states North Adams has a deficit of $400,000 plus. This figure is based upon what the city will need when it sets its tax rate in November. There cannot be a deficit if the tax rate hasn't been set. The Mayor is confused on this and thus the press reports incorrectly. In fact the City can use this money in many different ways including special projects, or for pay raises which the Mayor has promised the unions after the election is over!
from: wrong	on: 10-11-2011 03:12PM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (2)

Would the editor know if, when the $400k deficit is calculated, is that using the current tax rate or the levy limit. Just wondering. Keep in mind if the $271 is not used to pay the deficit, the defecit remains.
from: Comment	on: 10-11-2011 04:49PM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (0)

Friday Front Porch Feature: Historic Craftmanship on Park Avenue

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
05:26PM / Friday, November 06, 2026

DALTON, Mass. — Are you looking for a unique estate with historic craftsmanship? Then this is the home for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 1 Park Ave.

This four-bedroom, 4 1/2-bath house was built in 1913 and is 6,755 square feet (which includes a finished third floor) with more than five acres.

The home is rich in character with wood flooring, a sweeping staircase, and original architectural details that are a rare find.

The main level includes a kitchen with a butler's pantry and a walk-in pantry. There is also a living room with fireplace, a den, drawing room, and multiple porches to enjoy the outdoors.

Upstairs you'll find the primary suite that includes a sitting room and a sun porch. It also has a bathroom with a jetted soaking tub, steam shower, and bidet.

The home also has a four-car garage and its finished third floor is perfect to use as another living space or a recreational room.

The house is on the market for $1,275,000.

We spoke with Sheila Thunfors with Stone House Properties who is listing the home.

What do you think makes this house stand out in the current market?

It is so rare to find a house of this vintage with such exceptional craftsmanship and in such outstanding condition. To replicate would be near impossible and beyond exorbitant in cost. There is a remarkable balance of elegance with comfortable everyday living.