Southwick Select Board picks new law firm, funds town hall boiler repair

SOUTHWICK — April 13, 2026 — Southwick Select Board hires new law firm and clears $100,000 for town hall boiler. The board voted 3-0 Monday to select Mead, Talerman and Costa as the town's new municipal counsel, replacing an outgoing firm members described as unresponsive to multiple contacts; Town Administrator Nicole Parker said MTC edged out competing firm KP Law on reference checks and does not bill for paralegal time. The board also reappropriated $100,000 from an existing HVAC project account — which holds a remaining balance of $301,845 — to cover a lowest-bid boiler replacement quoted at $94,617.87. In a separate action, the board voted to send a joint letter with the Finance Committee to the School Committee, with member Russ Anderson saying the town is "out of options this year and certainly out of options for next year" amid declining state aid under the Student Opportunity Act. The board also approved a seven-member Open Space and Recreation Plan committee, a $2,200 library fuel transfer, a state boat ramp reimbursement agreement worth up to $10,000, and a one-day liquor license for the Cultural Council's April 24 art show.