Lanesborough Finance Committee Receives Three-Scenario Baker Hill Road Budget Projections

LANESBOROUGH — December 1, 2025 — Lanesborough Finance Committee receives multi-year fiscal projections tied to Baker Hill Road District funding gap. The four-member committee, chaired by Lyndon Moore, reviewed a three-scenario financial model covering fiscal years 2025 through 2030, prepared by a working group that included Moore, town financial staff member Katie, and Andrew from Berkshire Regional Planning. Scenario A assumes continued Target revenue with no payments from mall property owners; Scenarios B and C both assume total loss of road district revenue, with Scenario C projecting the state assumes maintenance of the connector road and eliminating the town's DPW road costs. The projections include estimated real estate tax revenue losses in FY27 and FY28 if the mall building is demolished, with assessed value guidance provided by the town assessor. Moore said he is pursuing a conversation with MassDOT representative Francisca Hemming about the process for a state road takeover, which Representative Barrett has indicated would require special legislation. The committee also noted a $228,000 miscellaneous revenue entry in November's financial report — proceeds from the sale of a town-owned parcel at North Main and Prospect Streets. The committee approved amended minutes from its November 3 meeting unanimously and set its next meeting for January 5, 2026.