Select Board accuses concrete firm of DEP falsehoods

Select Board · Meeting of January 13, 2026

Dalton Select Board tells state regulators a gravel company misrepresented its mining permits. The board voted unanimously to send the Department of Environmental Protection's Mark Simpson a letter disputing Berkshire Concrete Corp.'s claim that it mines only approved parcels, after a cease and desist order and a Board of Health nuisance abatement order tied to one unpermitted lot. Chair Bob Bishop called the company's statement to the state "incorrect." Separately, the board opened budget season by setting a 2 percent cost-of-living raise for fiscal 2027, raising building permit fees roughly 15 percent to erase a $10,000 departmental deficit, and moving town payroll to a biweekly schedule starting July 1, 2026.

Town Manager Eric warned the budget will approach the property tax levy limit. Resident Sue Tusset told the board a proposed public safety facility "does not belong in the neighborhood," one of several objections raised under a police officer's watch after a disorderly prior meeting.

In the full story:

• The complete report — 1,426 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of January 13, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.