May 22: All Town Meeting

Last night’s All Town Meeting in Williamstown was, as always, a powerful exercise in local democracy. With residents voting on 31 articles spanning everything from sewer debt to social justice, the night was packed with budget decisions, passionate debate, and some memorable moments. Here are the highlights—and some of the tension points—from our civic evening.

The evening began with a heartfelt tribute as the Scarborough Salomon Flynt Community Service Award was presented posthumously to Virginia “Ginny” Sheldon, a beloved advocate for the Milne Library. Her husband accepted the award, reminding the community that Ginny’s behind-the-scenes work—creative, collegial, and kind—kept things running, even when it went unnoticed. “The universe felt a little more balanced tonight,” he said.

The town approved a $1.2 million budget for the Hoosac Water Quality District, but not without concern. Residents pushed the Select and Finance Boards to take a firmer stance against the HWQD’s decision to continue composting sewage sludge, despite the town’s ongoing worry about PFOA contamination. While Finance clarified the funds include an extra $200,000 so the sludge can be landfilled, many residents weren’t satisfied. The article passed 144–55, but this conversation is far from over.

Of the three Community Preservation Historic Preservation articles, only one stirred real controversy: $19,000 for the Store at Five Corners. When a community member asked the Select Board why they had voted against this article, Jane Patton declined to answer directly, instead directing the person to watch the Willinet recording of the meeting where the vote occurred.

Civics Corner did just that—and found the exchange in question took place during the March 24, 2025 Select Board meeting, beginning around 1:16:00 in the video  [link here]. While there is some general budget discussion early on—including concerns voiced by Randy Fippinger about the town being “pennywise and pound foolish” in its approach to nonprofits—there is no direct explanation given for the dissenting votes on this article.

This raises concerns about transparency. The moment at Town Meeting wasn’t just about windows—it was about residents’ right to understand how decisions are made. Telling community members to “go watch the tape” only works when the tape contains answers.

The article ultimately passed by clicker vote: 180 in favor, 67 opposed.

In one of the most consequential votes of the night, residents passed a new bylaw limiting short-term rentals (Airbnbs)in an effort to prevent housing stock from being bought up by corporate investors. The policy allows residents to rent their homes short-term for up to 90 days a year and provides exceptions. Supporters hailed it as a step toward housing equity; opponents questioned its efficacy and the need for broader public input. The vote passed 219–25, meeting the two-thirds threshold needed for planning regulations.

A proposed amendment to change the article’s wording from “no harm to water” to “industry best practices” failed after an emotional debate. Opponents of the amendment argued that “best practices” often lag behind science and that the aquifer must be protected at all costs. The original version passed 173–39.

A citizen petition banning smoking and vaping in privately-owned multifamily residences drew passionate testimony. Supporters framed the issue as one of health justice, citing secondhand smoke's effects on children, the elderly, and those with chronic illness. Opponents claimed the petition could further marginalize low-income individuals. After intense debate, the article passed 148–56.

Further overage of the Smoking and Planning Board Debate can be found in this iBerkshires article: https://www.iberkshires.com/story/79048/Williamstown-to-Apartment-Dwellers-Don-t-Smoke-Em-if-You-Got-Em.html

Citizen justin atkins brought forward a petition affirming Williamstown as a community that upholds the rights of transgender and gender-diverse individuals. With moving testimony from residents—young and old—the article passed overwhelmingly. While one speaker questioned if it was merely symbolic, the town affirmed its stance of inclusivity and support.

Building on a 2017 vote, residents unanimously supported a petition to protect immigrants from increasing federal enforcement efforts, reiterating Williamstown’s commitment to being a safe and welcoming place for all.

Articles funding education passed with little resistance, though not without comment:

Mount Greylock Regional School District ($14.8 million): Passed unanimously, with community members emphasizing that underfunding education is not an option.

Northern Berkshire Vocational Regional School: A 29.4% increase (to $422,850) due to enrollment growth passed unanimously.

Articles 23–25 provided funding for hiking trails, a mountain bike path, and continued support for the skatepark. While these proposals drew extended discussion, support was robust. Residents stressed the importance of creating outdoor opportunities for all ages and ability levels. Votes across the board were enthusiastic, with Article 23 passing 220–19 by clicker.

All of the following passed without significant discussion:

Debt service (Article 3)

Water and Sewer Departments (Articles 5, 7, 8)

Capital Improvement Projects (Article 4) — which included replacing vehicles nearly two decades old

General Government Budget ($10.6 million)

Finance Reserve Fund and OPEB Contributions

Senior Property Tax Exemption (Article 28)

Library Trustee Terms (Article 31): A quiet procedural article off-setting  trustee terms passed without issue.

This year’s All Town Meeting was a reminder of the passion, intelligence, and care Williamstown residents bring to our civic life. From debates about environmental protections to the rights of marginalized residents, our town showed up. And stayed late.

We’ll be back soon with a calendar of what’s coming up in the next couple weeks in Town.