Southwick Agricultural Commission approves $85 banner ahead of Farmers Forum
Southwick Agricultural Commission votes 5-0 to buy an $85 anniversary banner as Town Hall closure clouds forum plans.
Other Committee · Meeting of January 14, 2026
Southwick Agricultural Commission votes 5-0 to buy an $85 anniversary banner as Town Hall closure clouds forum plans. The commission approved the Southwoods-made banner by roll call, drawing on a newly consolidated public outreach fund, ahead of a Farmers Forum expected in about two weeks featuring assessor Randy Austin and Jacob Macko on the state's Chapter 61 tax programs for landowners with 10 or more forested acres or five or more agricultural acres. Members reviewed a proposed $2,003.18 fiscal 2026 budget, split among supplies, open farm day, the farm parade, the community garden and public outreach, and said the town has asked for a 5 percent cut this year and next even as the Master Plan assigns new unfunded duties; 13 of 24 town organizations have committed to finish 12 master-plan actions by June 30, 2026.
A sewage backup shut Town Hall's basement, leaving the forum's Land Use Room venue in question. "We have pretty successful, really great farms in town," one commissioner said, pressing the panel to help farmers beyond hosting events.
In the full story:
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Source: the Other Committee meeting of January 14, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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