CHESHIRE, Mass. — Both debt exclusion articles on the special election ballot passed on Tuesday.
The election was held to determine whether voters would authorize the town government to exclude borrowings for two new projects. Town meeting earlier this year had approved the spending dependent on the debt exclusions passing.
The yes votes on the articles will allow the town to bypass the levy limit imposed by Proposition 2 1/2, meaning it can raise and appropriate money to finance certain projects outside of the levy restrictions.
The first article allows the town to purchase a new truck for the Highway Department. In an email to iBerkshires before the election, Selectmen Chairwoman Michelle Francesconi said, "the purchase of a new highway truck is extremely important as it is set to replace a 2006 truck that had already been rescued from the weeds once and is barely limping by."
This question passed with 91 votes in favor and 60 votes against.
Francesconi pointed out that the truck purchase is critical to the town's plowing ability in the winter, and that the truck should be purchased in order to take care of the town's construction and plowing services.
During a Selectmen's meeting on July 6, Highway Superintendent Robert Navin implored voters to vote in favor of the article. "Anybody listening," he said at the time, "please support us with the special town election."
The price of the truck Navin was eyeing cost $235,000, but he warned that price could increase dramatically over time. This, in part, was why the Selectmen and Navin wanted the debt exclusion vote to pass at this election.
The second article allows the town to borrow $500,000 to complete a water main replacement project on Route 8. Francesconi noted that the updates were mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
This question passed with 102 votes in favor and 48 votes against.
The project "is also extremely important and it is good to see that the voters recognized the urgency and supported the expenditure," Francesconi told iBerkshires.
Voter turnout was low and only 151 out of the 2,518 registered voters made it to the polls
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Cheshire Tag Sale and Bazaar
CHESHIRE, Mass. — The Cheshire Community Association (CCA) announced the return of the Cheshire Community Tag Sale and Bazaar for its second year.
Scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 9 AM to 1 PM, the event offers a day of treasure hunting, local craftsmanship, and treats at the Cheshire Community House located at 191 Church St, Cheshire.
Attendees can explore a variety of offerings, including handmade crafts, antiques, collectibles, and food options. The hot food truck, operated by the Berkshire Lodge of Masons AF & AM, will be stationed in the courtyard, serving up treats throughout the event.
One of the highlights of this year's event is the fundraising raffle, with all proceeds set to benefit the Cheshire Food Pantry. Participants can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes, supporting a worthy cause that serves the local community.
Registration for vendors interested in participating in the bazaar is currently open, with fees ranging from $10 to $30. Cheshire residents looking to showcase their items from home can have their locations advertised on the event map for a fee of $10. The deadline for registration is set for Friday, April 26, 2024.
Registration forms can be obtained from various locations across Cheshire, including A to Z Printing, Cheshire Community House, Cheshire Library, Cheshire Glassworks, Cheshire Senior Center, the Cheshire Community Association Facebook page, and the Cheshire Town website.
For more information about the event, including vendor registration and sponsorship opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to contact Jenny Gadbois at (413) 841-0844 or via email at jlgadbois@icloud.com.
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