Hubbardston Board of Health Approves Fair Permits, Tables Financial Warrant Over Missing Accounts

HUBBARDSTON -- May 12, 2026, Hubbardston Board of Health approves thirteen food-service permits for the June 6 town fair and defers a financial warrant over missing account information. The board, meeting May 12 with all three members present including Judy O'Donnell joining remotely, signed off on permits for vendors including Stars and Stripes Diner, Flippin the Bird BBQ, Pizzadiavolo, and Sweet Nala Bakery, with most issued as single-day fair permits and the diner requiring a full inspection. Member O'Donnell and the chair argued the town urgently needs a part-time public health nurse, estimated at 16 hours per month, noting the position was authorized by town vote in 1999 but has never been funded, and that tuberculosis and lead-poisoning cases surfacing in the state Maven system leave local responsibilities unclear. The board tabled Warrant No. 22 for $55 after the chair refused to sign without proper general ledger account coding, stating, "Why would I with my signature here if there's no information here?"