Southampton Select Board Adopts 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan, Unlocking Federal Grant Eligibility

SOUTHAMPTON -- May 12, 2026, Southampton Select Board adopts 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan and accepts two Conservation Commission resignations, dropping the panel to three members. The board voted unanimously Tuesday to formally adopt the Town of Southampton 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, a document endorsed by both MEMA and FEMA that unlocks eligibility for state and federal hazard-related grant programs following public hearings held in November 2024 and September 2025. The board also accepted with evident concern the resignations of Nicole Marcotte and Hazel Ortiz from the Conservation Commission, effective May 5, leaving a five-member body at three, one absence short of losing quorum. Town Administrator Scott reported estimated health insurance savings of $300,000 to $400,000 after roughly 70 to 80 percent of employees shifted from the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust to Health New England or WellPoint. A contentious citizen-speak exchange centered on a land purchase borrowing not completed before the June 30, 2025 fiscal year close when the former elected treasurer-collector departed abruptly; interim Treasurer Megan Kane subsequently executed the note through a statehouse borrowing, incurring a one-year state Department of Revenue penalty against future free cash. The board opened the warrant for a Special Town Meeting on June 20, setting a June 2 submission deadline for articles.