Douglas Historical Commission Learns It Has Had No Funds Since 2020

DOUGLAS — March 6, 2026 — Douglas Historical Commission calls emergency meeting after discovering its assumed $4,900 balance no longer exists. Commission Chair Rebecca Doyen-Lavalli convened the emergency Friday Zoom session after Finance Director Jean informed her the funds — originally appropriated at the May 2009 Special Town Meeting for downtown historic district consulting work — had sat untouched for roughly 11 years and were recaptured by the town at the September 2020 Annual Town Meeting. The discovery leaves the commission with no funds at all and forces it to seek a warrant article at the Annual Town Meeting, tentatively May 4, to pay for an interpretive baseball history sign estimated to cost roughly $2,500 to $3,000. Members Scott Garland and Doyen-Lavalli were assigned to present to the Finance Committee around March 24, with Doyen-Lavalli and Sarah Guy to follow before the Select Board around April 7. Vendor Sunshine Sign has set up a municipal account, meaning no payment is due until the sign is delivered.