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Lanesborough Select Board Sees New Member, Chair

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The Select Board welcomed a new member on Monday and elected Deborah Maynard as chair.  

Last week, just under 4 percent of the town's registered voters turned out for the election of a Select Board member, two Finance Committee seats, and more. Jason Breault secured a three-year seat on the board, replacing Timothy Sorrell, who did not stand for election. 

"It's great to have Jason on board. I'm really happy," Maynard said. 

On June 17, 98 of the town's 2,573 registered voters turned out to Town Hall for the election. Breault had 66 votes, and there were 27 write-ins. 

Juli Ann Baker and Vera Yvonne Farrell secured three-year terms on the Finance Committee, and Eleanore Goerlach was elected as a library trustee. 

At the beginning of the Select Board meeting, Chair Michael Murphy indicated that he is "certainly willing and interested in continuing [as chair], but that really is up to the three of us together." Recognizing that Murphy's term expires in 2026, Maynard indicated her interest in becoming chair, and said, "in case this is your last year and you don't go on to another one, I would like somebody here to help me out in case I mess up." 

Maynard was elected chair 2-1 with Murphy voting in opposition.



"My first thought is, I didn't even take the chair out until I completed three years of my first term, and I think that's important to complete a full term before you take another responsibility on," he said. 

Maynard was elected last year, filling the seat left vacant by longtime board member John Goerlach.

in other business, Town Administrator Gina Dario said a review expiring commission and board terms are done at the end of the fiscal year and individuals holding those positions are contacted to see if they are interested in being reappointed. 

There are vacancies in the Board of Health, Tree and Forest Committee, and the Board of Assessors, and there could be other vacancies if people decide not to be reappointed. 

"So if people are interested at any point in understanding more about any particular committees, I really encourage them to reach out to me in the first instance, or go directly to that committee chair," Dario said. 

"We will keep the list of vacancies updated on the committee's web page, on the town website. We've done a really good job in trying to give that visibility."

Maynard said some young people have expressed interest in getting involved in town government. She urged newcomers to town and longtime residents to get engaged. 

"Come on and see what our town is all about," she said. "Get involved." 
 


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Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back over 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates. 

On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit.  CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more. 

"I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference," committee member Karen Kalinowsky said. 

"The city could have use for that difference over the next three years." 

This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1. 

The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid. 

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has been vocally in favor of the independent audit for years, said the city doesn't have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, "We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional, and a looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is." 

Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have equitable reviews with high recommendations.  Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council. 

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