The future of the Hudson Sustainability Advisory Committee was once again a topic of discussion at the most recent Board of Selectmen meeting, continuing a conversation that began last month when the Board reviewed the Committee’s proposed charter.
During that earlier meeting, Board Chair Dillon Dumont shared that he had spoken with several committee members and believed the group should consider transitioning into a nonprofit organization.
“I think that they would be better served doing it that way,” Dumont said at the time. “They could get out from underneath some of our policies. They could run and function the way that they want to. Quite frankly, I think their budget would increase significantly with the donations they would be able to bring in that way and possibly get set up for charitable gaming.”
Dumont emphasized that, like any nonprofit in town, the group would still be able to advise municipal departments and the Board of Selectmen, but would operate independently.
“I just see what they’re going for, the bigger picture of it,” he said. “I think a lot more could be achieved if looked in that direction. I’m not asking for anybody to make decisions, but definitely consider it.”
At the April 14 meeting, a revised version of the proposed charter was presented. Selectman Heidi Jakoby, who serves as the Board’s liaison to the Sustainability Committee, said the updated document addressed concerns raised previously.
She also made it clear that committee members do not wish to become a nonprofit at this time.
Jakoby explained that when the Committee was first formed, it had a broader role, helping departments pursue energy-efficiency upgrades, supporting recycling initiatives, and assisting with grant funding. Many of those grant opportunities no longer exist, she said, and the Committee’s work has naturally shifted.
Selectman Bob Guessferd reiterated that a nonprofit structure could give the group more flexibility, especially financially.
“I think they can do a lot more,” he said.
Dumont agreed, saying he does not believe the Committee’s current structure aligns with what it is realistically able to accomplish today. He suggested dissolving the municipal committee and encouraging members to reform as an independent nonprofit that could still advise the town.
“They could still continue to be advisors to the municipality,” Dumont said.
Guessferd noted that the public has not been fully engaged in the discussion and suggested that residents might be interested in helping form or support a nonprofit if the idea were explored more openly.
Jakoby countered that there is no need to rush the decision. She suggested allowing the Committee to continue operating for another year before making any final determination.
“I don’t think there isn’t reason they couldn’t continue for a year and then have more discussions before they eliminate it altogether,” she said.
After discussion, the Board of Selectmen agreed to table the proposed charter for now, leaving the Committee’s future structure unresolved. The topic is expected to return later in the year once more feedback is gathered and the Committee has additional time to evaluate its long-term direction.