Select Board Appoints New Special Town Counsel

Select Board · Meeting of August 18, 2026

West Brookfield's Select Board unanimously appointed attorney Heather White and the firm Harrington Heap as special town counsel, as longtime counsel at Petrini & Associates said his firm is stepping back from routine municipal work. The board also reappointed Nathan Hagelin to a three-year term as police chief and approved several constable appointments. The Common Committee, represented by Diane Bada, asked to open a dedicated gift account for the town Christmas tree lighting after the White Christmas Committee said the responsibility was "too much at this time," and floated a $25 electricity fee for common events to help recoup "close to $8,000" in infrastructure costs.

The fire chief presented a revised permit fee schedule covering dumpsters, propane and mulch storage, but no vote was taken. The board also approved FY27 AP and payroll warrants and moved its next meeting to September 2 to avoid conflicting with a state primary.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,389 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of August 18, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.