Blandford Select Board Approves $199,500 Dirt Roller Grant, Renews Emergency Alert Contract

BLANDFORD -- May 26, 2026, Blandford Select Board approved a $199,500 state equipment grant for a highway dirt roller and renewed its reverse 9-1-1 contract at $18,829.03 on May 26. Highway Superintendent Ray announced the equipment grant award, reading from an approval letter confirming the dirt roller will come at no direct cost to the town, though a brief low-interest bridge loan may be needed to cover timing before funds arrive. The board voted unanimously to renew its emergency alert contract with DLT ConnectSoft and to authorize reapplication to the state's Community Culvert Program, whose second grant window runs through June 26. The board also voted 2-1 to allow a community-organized candidate forum in the town gymnasium on June 2, after resident George, citing over 50 years in Blandford, described a civic participation crisis marked by uncontested races and insufficient public engagement. Town Administrator Christina read aloud a draft political activity policy governing use of town property for election-related events, which has been submitted to town counsel and drew questions about whether the board could formally weigh in on ballot questions affecting town taxation.