In a split 3-2 vote, the Board of Selectmen voted during its most recent meeting to dissolve the town’s Sustainability Committee following weeks of debate over the committee’s future.
The issue had been under discussion for several meetings, including an extensive conversation during the Board’s April 14 meeting, when selectmen reviewed a proposed charter for the advisory committee.
Board of Selectmen Chair Dillon Dumont has repeatedly argued that the committee’s mission would be better served as an independent nonprofit organization rather than a town-appointed committee.
“I think they would be better served doing it that way,” Dumont said during a previous meeting. “They would 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 explained that, like other non-profit organizations in town, the group could still work with the municipality while operating independently.
“They would be separate from the town, but they still would be able to make advice and recommendations to the departments and to the Board of Selectmen,” he said.
At the April 28 meeting, Sustainability Committee Chair Karl Huber made it clear the committee had no interest in pursuing nonprofit status.
“This committee has no interest whatsoever in pursuing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization status,” Huber said, explaining that members are volunteers and the process would require significant additional time and effort.
“We didn’t come on board as volunteers to do this,” Huber added. “We came on board as volunteers to take the charter we presented to this Board and move forward and be held accountable.”
Huber outlined several community programs led by the committee, including the town’s pumpkin smash event and holiday light recycling initiative. He also highlighted the committee’s educational outreach and advisory work related to sustainability issues.
Dumont, argued that the committee had drifted from its original purpose, which he said focused primarily on sustainability improvements for town-owned buildings and properties. He also criticized the timing of reports and presentations submitted to the Board.
Vice Chair Bob Guessferd defended the committee’s work, saying its efforts have benefited the town and helped identify valuable sustainability initiatives.
After postponing a decision in April, the Board revisited the issue during its latest meeting. Selectman Heidi Jakoby, who was absent from the earlier discussion, argued the committee should be allowed to continue through fiscal year 2027.
“I think there’s a group of volunteers here that can help make things happen,” Jakoby said. “There’s a group of volunteers here who are dedicated.”
She added that the committee deserved an opportunity to operate under the newly proposed charter before any final decision was made.
Selectman Jakoby and Vurgaropulos voted against dissolving the committee.
“I would like to see them operate for another year with better communication and reporting to us, and then we’ll reevaluate next cycle just to give them a chance,” Vurgaropulos said.
Before the vote, Dumont acknowledged the committee’s contributions to the community.
“The work that they’ve done doesn’t go unnoticed,” he said. “I’m a firm believer that the work can continue without the sustainability tag or the Hudson Sustainability Committee designation.”
