Town of Great Barrington

09/15/2026

The Town of Great Barrington, which operates the South County Connector, is recruiting full-time, part-time, and on-demand Transportation Operators to help provide reliable, welcoming transportation throughout the communities we serve. And you don't have to live in Great Barrington to join the team.

Transportation Operators earn $22.57–$24.69 per hour, with an additional evening and weekend shift differential. The Town offers paid training, flexible scheduling options, and municipal benefits for eligible employees. No CDL is required.

Whether you're looking for a full-time career, consistent part-time work, additional income, or the flexibility to pick up available shifts when they work for you, there are several ways to become part of the team.

09/04/2026

NEW FACES ARE INVITED TO CONSIDER BECOMING TRANSPORTATION OPERATORS

Sometimes the right career is one you simply haven’t considered yet and as the Town of Great Barrington continues recruiting Transportation Operators for the South County Connector, we are encouraging people from across our community to take another look at what it means to work in public transportation.

You do not need a CDL. You do not need to have been a professional driver. And you do not need to come from the transportation industry. What we are looking for are good people who care about other people.

Transportation Operators are often the face of the South County Connector. They welcome riders, help people get where they need to go safely, and provide a level of service that can make a meaningful difference in someone’s day.

For someone looking for a career change, returning to the workforce, seeking work with a greater sense of purpose, or simply looking for an opportunity that fits differently into their life, this may be a job worth considering.

The Town is recruiting full-time, part-time and on-demand Transportation Operators, creating opportunities for people with different schedules and employment needs. Paid training is provided, and no CDL is required.

“We’re building a new transportation team, and that means looking beyond the traditional idea of who becomes a driver,” said Town Manager Liz Hartsgrove. “Some of our best future operators may be people who have never considered this kind of work before. If you are dependable, enjoy working with people and want your work to matter in the community you serve, we want you to consider joining us. We can teach you the rest.”

Transportation is ultimately about people. Every trip represents someone getting to work, a medical appointment, the grocery store, a friend or family member, or another important destination. That is why Great Barrington is looking not simply for drivers, but for service-minded people who want to help build the next chapter of transportation in South County.

Maybe you've never pictured yourself behind the wheel. We'd like you to.

Learn more and apply through the Town of Great Barrington's current employment opportunities. www.townofgbma.gov/550/Job-Opportunities

Drive Connection. Deliver Community.

09/04/2026

A friendly reminder that following the Town’s holiday schedule, Great Barrington’s non-emergency Town offices and services will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026 in honor of Labor Day. Regularly scheduled town office hours will resume Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Labor Day is also an opportunity to recognize the people whose work keeps our community moving every day. We extend our appreciation to our Town employees, local businesses, first responders, educators, healthcare workers, tradespeople, service workers, and everyone whose work contributes to the strength and character of Great Barrington.

Please note: Public safety and other essential services will continue as scheduled.

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend.

09/03/2026

The Great Barrington Selectboard has called a Special Town Meeting for Monday, October 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Monument Mountain Regional High School.

As part of the Special Town Meeting process, the Town has established the following schedule for citizen petitions, warrant preparation, public review, and voter registration.

October 19 Special Town Meeting Action Calendar

Wednesday Sept 2, 2026
Selectboard designate Special Town Meeting for 6pm on Monday October 19, 2026 at MMRHS Alumni Association

Thursday Sept 10, 2026
Citizen Petition Deadline at 4pm

TENTATIVE: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Joint Meeting with Selectboard and Finance Cmte at 6pm to review warrant articles.

Friday October 2, 2026
Attested copy of STM warrant posting at least 14 days before STM (§41-5 Town By-laws)

Friday, October 9, 2026, 5pm
Last day to register to vote, to participate in Special Town Meeting as Registered Voter

Monday October 19, 2026
Special Town Meeting at 6pm

Town Meeting is where Great Barrington’s voters come together to consider the issues before our community and make decisions about the Town’s future. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars, review the warrant once it is posted, and participate in the Special Town Meeting. Up-to-date information will be posted on the town’s website at:

www.townofgbma.gov/316/Town-Meeting

09/03/2026

The Great Barrington Selectboard has called a Special Town Meeting for Monday, October 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Monument Mountain Regional High School.

As part of the Special Town Meeting process, the Town has established the following schedule for citizen petitions, warrant preparation, public review, and voter registration.

October 19 Special Town Meeting Action Calendar

Wednesday Sept 2, 2026
Selectboard designate Special Town Meeting for 6pm on Monday October 19, 2026 at MMRHS,

Thursday Sept 10, 2026
Citizen Petition Deadline at 4pm
TENTATIVE: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 Joint Meeting with Selectboard and Finance Cmte at 6pm to review warrant articles.

Friday October 2, 2026
Attested copy of STM warrant posting at least 14 days before STM (§41-5 Town By-laws)

Friday, October 9, 2026, 5pm
Last day to register to vote, to participate in Special Town Meeting as Registered Voter

Monday October 19, 2026
Special Town Meeting at 6pm

Town Meeting is where Great Barrington’s voters come together to consider the issues before our community and make decisions about the Town’s future. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars, review the warrant once it is posted, and participate in the Special Town Meeting. Up-to-date information will be posted on the town’s website at:

www.townofgbma.gov/316/Town-Meeting

08/30/2026

08/26/2026

BACK TO SCHOOL REMINDER: STAY ALERT AND WATCH FOR SCHOOL BUSES

With students in the Berkshire Hills Regional School District returning to school next week, the Town of Great Barrington is reminding everyone that the start of the school year means more buses, young pedestrians, cyclists and family vehicles will once again be sharing our roads each morning and afternoon.

The first few days of school bring a change in routine across the community. Drivers should allow a little extra time for their commute, reduce speeds, stay alert near schools and bus stops, and be prepared for frequent stops along school bus routes.

The Town asks everyone to keep a few simple things in mind as school begins:
• Motorists are reminded to stop for school buses when their red lights are flashing and stop signs are extended. Children may be crossing the roadway from either direction, and drivers should never attempt to pass a stopped school bus when its warning signals are activated.
• Slow down and watch carefully for children, particularly during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.
• Expect delays and give school buses the time and space they need to safely pick up and drop off students.
• Put the phone down and keep your attention on the road.
• Be patient. Routes, traffic patterns and family routines may take a few days to settle into the new school year.

The Town of Great Barrington wishes BHRSD students, families, teachers, staff and bus drivers a safe, successful and exciting start to the new school year.

08/26/2026

STATE PRIMARY & EARLY VOTING REMINDER
The Town of Great Barrington reminds residents that in-person early voting is underway for the Massachusetts State Primary, which will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Residents who would like to vote before Election Day may do so this week at Great Barrington Town Hall.

IN-PERSON EARLY VOTING
Great Barrington Town Hall
Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Monday, August 24 – Friday, August 28, 2026 from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

ELECTION DAY — TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
Polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
• Precincts A, C & D
Great Barrington Fire Department
37 State Road, Great Barrington

• Precinct B
Housatonic Community Center
1064 Main Street, Housatonic

VOTE-BY-MAIL REMINDER
Residents who have received a mail-in ballot are reminded to return it promptly. Mail-in ballots must be received by the Town Clerk’s Office no later than 8:00 PM on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, to be counted.

Voters can also check their voter registration information through the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website. Whether voting early or heading to the polls on Election Day, every eligible voter is encouraged to make a plan to vote.

Questions?
Contact the Great Barrington Town Clerk’s Office Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM, at (413) 528-1619, press 2, then 1.

08/22/2026

As the summer season begins to wind down, the Town of Great Barrington would like to provide an update regarding lifeguard coverage at Lake Mansfield Beach through Labor Day.

Like many seasonal programs, Berkshire South is experiencing a significant reduction in available lifeguards as students return to high schools and colleges therefore lifeguard coverage at Lake Mansfield will be limited for the remainder of the summer season to the following dates:

• Saturday, August 29
• Saturday, September 5
• Monday, September 7, Labor Day

On all other days, Lake Mansfield Beach will remain open, but there will be NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY and swimming will be at your own risk. Visitors are encouraged to use additional caution when entering the water, closely supervise children at all times, and make responsible decisions based on their swimming ability and conditions at the lake.

The Town appreciates Berkshire South and the lifeguards who have helped provide coverage throughout the season, and especially those who are able to continue serving our community as summer comes to a close.

Thank you for your understanding, your cooperation, and for helping us keep Lake Mansfield a safe and welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.

08/19/2026

EAST SHEFFIELD ROAD TEMPORARY CLOSURE
Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Carryover Date: Friday, August 21, 2026

The Town of Great Barrington is advising residents and motorists that East Sheffield Road is anticipated to be closed to through traffic on Thursday, August 20, from approximately 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM while the Department of Public Works completes stabilization work in the area of the existing roadway washout.

The work is intended to stabilize the affected area and protect the roadway while the Town continues to advance plans for a longer-term solution.

WHAT TO EXPECT
• Primary Work Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
• Hours: Approximately 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Carryover Date: Friday, August 21, 2026, if additional time is needed to complete the work
• Location: East Sheffield Road
• Work: Stabilization of the roadway washout area
• Access: The road will be closed to through traffic while crews and heavy equipment are working in the roadway.
• Emergency Services: Crews will be able to clear the roadway to provide access for emergency vehicles if necessary.

Residents and others who regularly use East Sheffield Road should plan accordingly and avoid the work area during the closure whenever possible. If work cannot be completed on Thursday, August 20, the closure may continue or resume on Friday, August 21.