Dalton Boards Amend Information Technology Services Budget

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board and Finance Committee voted to amend the Information Technology Services during their meetings this week. 
 
The revised budget increases the budget 4.41 percent bringing the total budget consisting of expenses only in the amount of $71,000. 
 
The previous budget was level funded from last year but the town's insurance agent has now developed requirements to maintain cyber security as part of the town's cybersecurity insurance. 
 
This software will enable the town to have multi-factor authentication and endpoint detection and response so if there is a breach they can find where it came from. 
 
The town will have to pay for this software annually so will now be part of the budget in years to come. 
 
They approved the Parks and Recreation budget in the amount of $62,000, a 3.12 percent increase 
 
This budget was previously a grant the town would give to the Community Recreation Association but last year it became a contracted service. 
 
The town has to abide by the anti-aid amendment that prevents it from giving money to private entities. 
 
The town has contributed to the CRA since it opened a century ago. The association offer programs including summer camps, sports, and recreational activities to the community. There is financial aid for those who qualify. 
 
Officials say this form of budgeting is cleaner than providing the nonprofit with a grant so that they can provide its services to the town.
 
The funding that the town pays helps the CRA cover some of the expenses the programs cost allowing the programs to cost less for the participants. 
 
They also approved the Town Accountant in the amount of $116,926, a $23,026 increase from the previous year. This increase doubles the hours that the assistant is doing.  
 
The increase will also cover the cost of the expenses and cost of the professional and technical training that the town accountant will also have to go to this year to remain certified.  
 
They also approved decrease of $16,500 in the Audit Budget bringing the budget to $35,000. The reason for the decrease is because audits happen every other year. 

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Brien Center Announces Vice President of Human Resources

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Amy Thomson was recently named Vice President of Human Resources for the Brien Center, Berkshire County's largest behavioral health provider. 
 
In her new position, she will provide strategic direction and oversight for all aspects of the Human Resources functional areas including recruitment and retention, employee relations, compensation and benefits, performance management and professional development.
 
Immediately prior to joining The Brien Center, Thomson served as the Vice President of Human Resources for the Annie Selke Companies. Other career positions include Director of Human Resources for Berkshire Healthcare Systems' Long Term Care Division, Vice President of Human Resources for Legacy Banks and Director of HR for Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club. 
 
She is a resident of Pittsfield.
 
"We are excited that Amy has joined our leadership team, "said Christine Macbeth, President and CEO of the Brien Center. "The agency will benefit from her 30+ years in Human Resources and her skills in employee relations, compliance and benefit management, performance management and strategic focus. Her previous experience will serve her well as she leads her team in developing and implementing efficient and creative initiatives that will advance the HR components of the organization's strategic plan."
 
Thomson earned a Masters' Degree in Human Resources Management from Leslie University and a
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston College. She enjoys skiing, hiking, horseback riding and spending quality time with family and friends.
 
 
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