Hubbardston Board of Health to Weigh In on State Emergency Exercise Mandate

HUBBARDSTON -- September 9, 2025, Hubbardston Board of Health contested a state mandate requiring it to organize and lead a public health tabletop emergency exercise by December 31, 2025. At the September 9 meeting, members said the directive from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health falls outside the board's expertise and authority, and voted to bring the matter to the town's Local Emergency Planning Committee, which includes police, fire, and other departments. The board also confirmed a joint vacancy appointment meeting with the Select Board for Monday, September 15 at 6:30 p.m., with two applicants, identified as Mr. Conway and Mrs. Conway, under consideration, though members noted both application letters were sparse. A regional RFP for trash and recycling services conducted with Princeton and Rutland produced a single sealed bid, which the board said it would share with partner-town representatives within days. E-permitting implementation for the board was pushed to November to ease staff transitions.