Co-op Bank Promotes Vice President, Commercial Lending

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-op Bank) announced the promotion of Sierra King Watson to Vice President, Commercial Lending. 
 
In her new commercial role, Watson will spearhead efforts to support local businesses, delivering tailored business banking and lending solutions to help foster growth and strengthen the regional economy.
 
Watson, a member of the Co-op Bank team, has built a strong reputation for her personalized approach to commercial lending, working closely with business owners to understand their goals and challenges.
 
With fifteen years of banking and lending experience, Watson has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in structuring financing packages to support a wide range of business needs — from real estate and equipment loans to lines of credit and business expansion funding, stated a press release.
 
"Sierra's promotion is a well-earned recognition of her exceptional work ethic, strong client relationships, and commitment to our values as a community bank," said Mike Ferry, SVP, Commercial Banking. "Her ability to combine financial expertise with a genuine understanding of our local business community makes her a perfect fit for this elevated role."
 
In her new position, Watson will continue to develop and expand the Bank's commercial lending portfolio. She will also play a role in shaping new lending initiatives and enhancing processes at Pittsfield Cooperative Bank.
 
A Berkshire county native, Watson resides locally with her husband and family. She has been actively involved in various community organizations including the Southern Berkshire Chamber Board of Directors where she is serving her second year as president.

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Dalton Police Facility Report Complete; Station Future Still Uncertain

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The Public Safety Facility Advisory Committee's final report is complete but the future of the station remains uncertain. 
 
Several members of the committee attended the Select Board meeting last week, as co-Chair Craig Wilbur presented four options delineated in the presentation — build on town-owned land, build on private land, renovate or repurpose the existing buildings, and do nothing. The full report can be found here
 
According to the report, addressing the station's needs coincides with the town facing significant financial challenges, with rising fixed costs and declining state aid straining its budget. 
 
These financial pressures restrict the town's ability to fund major capital projects and a new police station has to compete with a backlog of deferred infrastructure needs like water, sewer, roads, and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.
 
In June 2024, Police Chief Deanna Strout informed the board of the station's dire condition — including issues with plumbing, mold, ventilation, mice, water damage, heating, and damaged cells — prompting the board to take action on two fronts. 
 
The board set aside American Rescue Plan Act funds to address the immediately dire issues, including the ventilation, and established the Public Safety Facility Advisory Committee to navigate long-term options
 
Very early on it was determined that the current facility is not adequate enough to meet the needs of a 21st-century Police Facility. This determination was backed up following a space needs assessment by Jacunski Humes Architects LLC
 
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