NORTHFIELD — Following a discussion with Town Moderator Nathan L’Etoile last week about the feasibility of holding Annual Town Meeting during the ongoing pandemic, the Selectboard voted to postpone Town Meeting until June 22.
While Northfield could postpone the meeting until after June, it would require the town to operate on a one-twelfth budget, meaning it would budget month to month based on the previous fiscal year’s figures. L’Etoile said this could prove to be a challenging way for the town to start a new fiscal year.
L’Etoile recognized the challenges of planning and hosting Annual Town Meeting considering social distancing guidelines and other health safety precautions, but said there is a “real need to conduct some items of town business.” As moderator, L’Etoile said one of his concerns is finding a way for any interested resident to participate in the meeting, while also feeling safe.
“If we can construct this in a way that’s safe for people to come out, but they don’t feel it’s safe and therefore don’t come out, we’re really disenfranchising a bunch of people who want to be participating,” L’Etoile explained.
He voiced the possibility of holding two Town Meetings. One would be held before July to pass essential warrant items needed to operate during the next fiscal year, which would allow the town to avoid using a one-twelfth budget. A second Special Town Meeting at a later date could involve items that are not urgent, or “more controversial” warrant items that would likely spur discussion.
Another option, L’Etoile said, is to potentially hold the meeting outside. This would allow for town-wide participation and be a way to include all warrant items in one meeting.
The Selectboard and L’Etoile agreed to further discuss options for holding Annual Town Meeting at the board’s next meeting on May 11. Residents have until June 12 to register to vote in this year’s Annual Town Meeting.
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-930-4579.