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Following what has happened in other regions of the state, 1998 legislation called for the abolishment of Berkshire County government by June 30, 2000. The Berkshire Legislative Delegation requested that the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission take the lead in addressing this issue.
The Berkshire 2000 Task Force was formed in January, 1999 to oversee the process of county government dissolution and to evaluate the need for continuing to offer services through a regional entity. Thomas McCann chairs the Task Force, and William "Smitty" Pignatelli is vice-chairman. Members include elected officials and community representatives.
When county government is dissolved, the state will assume responsibility for the Superior Court House, the District Court House, the Jail and House of Correction, and the Bowes Building, which houses the Probate Court, the Registry of Deeds, and the University of Massachusetts Extension Services.
County government offers other services that will not be assumed by the state. The Task Force is evaluating how, if at all, each of these services will be offered after county government is dissolved. The services include the surveying department, the Clean Lakes Program, the Clean Rivers Program, the Group Purchasing Program, the Surplus Property Program, Berkshire County Historical Commission, the Building Code Appeals Board, the Dog Control Program, group insurance, the county information booklet, and the county retirement system.
Councils of Government have been formed in nearby regions, including Hampshire County, Franklin County, and Middlesex County. These Councils of Government are offering a variety of shared services.
Pending legislation will enable the Berkshires, in the form of a Charter Commission, to evaluate the need for a regional entity and develop a proposed charter. The entity could potentially offer services and provide advocacy/leadership on broad regional issues. Every community that wishes to consider participation is requested to appoint a representative to a Charter Commission by November 24. The Charter Commission will put together a draft charter by early March. Individual communities will then have an opportunity to vote on adopting the charter at town meetings and city council meetings in the spring.
 Return to the Berkshire County Commission Index
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