Village of Stockbridge welcomes new council members amid financial challenges
This spring, the Village of Stockbridge leadership underwent significant change as three of seven trustee positions became vacant and were filled by council appointment.
Meredith McManaman and Logan Connolly joined the Stockbridge Village Council in February, and a third position opened on May 21 when Jill Ogden resigned as village president. On June 18, the council approved Fred Cattell as village president, Molly Howlett as village president pro tempore, and resident Kelsey Rasmussen to fill the remaining vacant village trustee position for the remainder of the 5-month term.
The addition of these new Trustees comes at a critical time. Village residents have faced a series of tax and water bill increases this spring, reflecting concerns about the Village’s long-term financial management.
Connolly shared the following goals as his reason for joining the council in February: “My goals are simply to make sure our community remains safe, healthy and balanced. I seek to help make Stockbridge a place to live, not just visit.”
Rasmussen commented on her decision to get involved: “I found it alarming when I received the notice of public hearing for the police services special assessment district asking residents to pay an emergency tax for bills that I assumed would have been predictable and accounted for in the Village’s budget. I decided to run for council, and serendipitously, a council position opened and I was appointed to fill it.
When asked about her goals, Rasmussen responded, “I’m open to learning about every angle of these problems to find solutions with this team and recognize we may have some tough choices ahead. My priority is to return the Village to financial solvency.”
In November, residents will have the opportunity to vote for open Village Council seats on the ballot.
Village council meetings are held at the Village Office at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. Meetings are open to the public, and residents are welcome to speak during public comment, with remarks limited to three minutes per person.
