Select Board opens town meeting warrant, debates government study
Monson Select Board opens town meeting warrant but splits on efficiency study. Vice Chair Patricia A. Oney proposed a government study with grant funding to review boards, committees, and commissions for cost savings, but Member John R. Morrell opposed it as wasteful and unnecessary, citing failed
Select Board · Meeting of February 24, 2026
Monson Select Board opens town meeting warrant but splits on efficiency study. Vice Chair Patricia A. Oney proposed a government study with grant funding to review boards, committees, and commissions for cost savings, but Member John R.
Morrell opposed it as wasteful and unnecessary, citing failed past attempts to change elected positions and high turnover in nearby towns with appointed Department of Public Works directors. Chair Peter Warren said he would listen to a free presentation but opposed spending on the study. Police Chief Nicholas Gasperini reported losing seven part-time officers to POST requirements and requested three vehicles split across two years.
Fire Chief Brian Harris presented a budget complicated by unknown building renovation costs. The board unanimously agreed to invite a planning consultant in March to discuss the Master Plan grant.
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Source: the Select Board meeting of February 24, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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