North Brookfield Select Board Rejects $1 Million STRAP Sidewalk Grant

NORTH BROOKFIELD — October 7, 2025 — North Brookfield Select Board unanimously rejected a $1 million STRAP sidewalk grant, citing an unworkable $169,683 in-kind match requirement. The board voted 3-0 Tuesday to turn down the grant after Highway Superintendent Kim told members the labor match — roughly $151,000 in excavation alone — "would kill my budget" and leave the department unable to do any other road work. Town Accountant Sheila Leblanc ruled out spreading the match over multiple years, explaining that municipal finance rules prohibit stockpiling salary encumbrances across fiscal years. The board also accepted the resignations of all three Sewer Commission members — Charlie Haddock, Donald Smith, and Kevin Deleri — and will serve as the commission itself until replacements are appointed. Police Chief Mark Smith, a ten-year veteran, also resigned effective November 21; the board plans to post the position internally first, with a formal announcement expected at its October 21 meeting. In other action, the board approved roughly $42,000 in change orders for the 1876 fire station renovation, leaving an estimated $80,000 in contingency, and appointed Brandon Avery to the Board of Assessors.