Town Administration

Select Board Notes, Jan. 26, 2026

January 29, 2026
Assistant Town Administrator Hired Matt Haskell has been hired as the new assistant town administrator, filling the role vacated by Jennifer Hewitt last summer. “Matt has been with the town almost 10 years now,” said Town Administrator Patrice Garvin. “He’s worked as…

Board Remains Neutral on Police Chief Hiring Decision

January 10, 2026
Despite encouragement from union leaders, the Select Board declined to state a position or preference for an internal or external candidate in the police chief selection process. “I think this job is too important to hire anybody except for the best candidate,”…

Consultant: Rink Rates Within Range With Other Towns

January 9, 2026
Though rink rental rates were “all across the board” in surrounding communities, an apples-to-apples comparison was all but impossible for a consultant hired by the town to assess the appropriateness of rates set by the Select Board. “We received a lot of…

Races Develop for State Senate, Town Moderator

December 20, 2025
On Sunday, Michael Crowley formalized his plans to seek a second term as town moderator, a position he won last April. He announced his intention to run again in early November. As of Monday, his only challenger is former Select Board member…

Library Under Budget, Opening Day Set for January

December 19, 2025
Though some loose ends remain to be tied, the new library is expected to come in roughly $500,000 under budget, according to building committee officials. “We’re looking at, confidently, not borrowing half a million, which goes against the debt,” said Library Building…

March Special Town Meeting Moved to Chenery

December 4, 2025
For the last several years, the Belmont High School auditorium has been home to Town Meeting. Due to scheduling issues, however, the upcoming special Town Meeting, scheduled for March 4, will be held at Chenery Upper Elementary School—a change in plans that…

High Cost of Living, Lack of Options Highlighted in Senior Survey

November 11, 2025
Some of the main concerns of seniors highlighted in a recent townwide senior needs assessment include the high cost of living, difficulty maintaining homes, a lack of alternative housing, and challenges to personal wellness and independence. In fact, one in five respondents…

Despite Challenges, October Town Meeting Will Be Hybrid

October 6, 2025
Despite the burden it places on town staff, the October special Town Meeting will be held in a hybrid format. To reduce the need for her staff to use compensatory time — as that department doesn’t have an overtime budget — Town…