LEYDEN — A town budget of about $1.8 million was established at Annual Town Meeting on Saturday. All 22 articles on the warrant were approved, according to Town Clerk Nicole Glabach.
The warrant included funding the buildout of the town’s broadband service, which is expected to be operational by late 2020; changing the regular dates of Annual Town Meeting and town election; and capital improvements at Avery Field and the town common.
Town Meeting was held outside Town Hall Saturday morning, due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. When voters checked in, they also provided a phone number so they could be notified in the event that an outbreak is later traced to the meeting.
Voters also approved a contribution to the Pioneer Valley Regional School District of $811,726; and about $70,000 for the broadband buildout.
Another $25,000 for the buildout was transferred from the town’s stabilization account in a short Special Town Meeting held immediately before the Annual Town Meeting.
Also notable, the Avery Field pavilion will be demolished and replaced, for $30,000. New plaques for veterans will be placed in the town common, for $2,000.
The regular dates for the town election and Annual Town Meeting have both been moved. Annual Town Meeting will be the third Monday of June. The town election will be the last Monday of June, with polls open from noon to 8 p.m. Glabach said the polling hours were originally proposed as noon to 6 p.m., but were expanded by an amendment.
Reach Max Marcus at mmarcus@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.