image description — The Fire District is returning unspent ARPA funds provided by the town for a fire truck it will not be receiving.

Dalton Fire District Votes to Return Ladder Truck ARPA Funds to Town

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:47PM / Friday, April 05, 2024Print Story | Email Story

DALTON, Mass. — The Board of Water Commissioners on Wednesday voted to return to the town the balance left of American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated for a ladder ladder truck.

"We appreciate the support and trust the Town of Dalton has consistently extended to our fire and emergency medical services. As stewards of public funds, we recognize the importance of responsible financial management," board Chair James Driscoll wrote to the Select Board.

"We have determined that returning the unutilized ARPA funds aligns with our commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility."

In 2022, the Select Board approved transferring $119,500 in ARPA funds to the Fire District to purchase the "refurbished" ladder truck. The district is a separate governmental body from the town

On Oct.18, 2022, Northern Fire Equipment received a down payment of $77,000; the district will return the unspent $42,500.

The ladder truck was ordered in late 2022, but its delivery date has been changed at least four times. Northern Fire Equipment has said staffing shortages, change orders, and unexpected mechanical malfunctions have contributed to the delay.

The funds were earmarked for a specific purpose that can no longer be completed, so "we must ensure they are used effectively and efficiently," Driscoll wrote.

Last month, the board voted to seek legal action against Northern Fire Equipment for breaching the ladder truck contract in an attempt to recover the ARPA funds. More information here.

"We sincerely thank the Town of Dalton for its unwavering support over the years. Your continued investment in our fire and EMS services enables us to enhance public safety, respond promptly to emergencies, and serve our community with dedication," the letter to the Select Board says.

"Once again, thank you for your partnership and collaboration. We look forward to continuing our work together for the betterment of Dalton and its residents."

The decision to return the funds to the town passed with no discussion.

Town Manager Thomas Hutcheson attended the meeting and expressed how much he enjoyed his interactions with Fire Chief Christian Tobin. He said Tobin is one of the best hires the town has had since he joined.

Tags: ARPA, fire district, fire truck,

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Pittsfield Housing Project Adds 37 Supportive Units and Collective Hope

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:01PM / Monday, December 29, 2025

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A new chapter in local efforts to combat housing insecurity officially began as community leaders and residents gathered at The First on to celebrate a major expansion of supportive housing in the city.

The ribbon was cut on Thursday Dec. 19, on nearly 40 supportive permanent housing units; nine at The First, located within the Zion Lutheran Church, and 28 on West Housatonic Street. The Housing Resource Center, funded by Pittsfield's American Rescue Plan Act dollars, hosted a celebration for a project that is named for its rarity: The First.

"What got us here today is the power of community working in partnership and with a shared purpose," Hearthway CEO Eileen Peltier said.

In addition to the 28 studio units at 111 West Housatonic Street and nine units in the rear of the church building, the Housing Resource Center will be open seven days a week with two lounges, a classroom, a laundry room, a bathroom, and lockers.

Erin Forbush, ServiceNet's director of shelter and housing, challenged attendees to transform the space in the basement of Zion Lutheran Church into a community center. It is planned to operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. year-round.

"I get calls from folks that want to help out, and our shelters just aren't the right spaces to be able to do that. The First will be that space that we can all come together and work for the betterment of our community," Forbush said.

"…I am a true believer that things evolve, and things here will evolve with the people that are utilizing it."

Earlier that day, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus joined Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and her team in Housatonic to announce $33.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funding, $5.45 million to Berkshire County.

He said it was ambitious to take on these two projects at once, but it will move the needle. The EOHLC contributed more than $7.8 million in subsidies and $3.4 million in low-income housing tax credit equity for the West Housatonic Street build, and $1.6 million in ARPA funds for the First Street apartments.

"We're trying to get people out of shelter and off the streets, but we know there are a lot of people who are couch surfing, who are living in their cars, who are one paycheck away from being homeless themselves," Augustus said.

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