Monroe’s tax rate set for FY25

MONROE — The state Department of Revenue has approved a tax rate of $8.99 per $1,000 valuation for fiscal year 2025. The rate is the lowest the town has seen in more than two decades, resulting in an average single-family tax bill of $1,587 for residents.

While the tax rate is the lowest the town has seen in years, according to Department of Revenue data, the average bill for a single-family home is only slightly lower than last fiscal year’s bill due to an increase in assessed values. The average bill for this year is $54 less than last year’s, given that the average value for a single-family home increased by $32,055. The average value of a single-family home in Monroe is $176,489.

Woodlands Partnership hosting emergency response listening sessions

SHELBURNE — Public input is wanted for a Woodlands Partnership of Northwest Massachusetts study examining how tourism impacts emergency response services.

Multiple public listening sessions have been scheduled for community members and first responders to share their thoughts on how and if increasing tourism and outdoor recreation has put a strain on emergency response services.

The study is being done in partnership with the Edward J. Collins Jr. Center for Public Management at the University of Massachusetts Boston and is funded by a Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs grant.

Two hybrid events have been scheduled: one at Windsor Town Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 12, and one at the Shelburne Fire Station on Thursday, Feb. 27. Both events will begin at 6 p.m. and will last approximately an hour.

For more information or to submit feedback, visit woodlandspartnership.org.

Hilltown Snowmobile Club plans annual pancake breakfast

ASHFIELD — The Hilltown Snowmobile Club will hold its annual all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast fundraiser on Sunday, Feb. 16. Attendees can enjoy pancakes, eggs and sausage from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Ashfield Lake House.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 12, and children under 5 eat for free. Pancakes will be served with local maple syrup and local sausage from Porter’s Farm, as well as coffee and orange juice. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and a door prize.