Deerfield Votes Eminent Domain Takings to Advance Stillwater Bridge Replacement

DEERFIELD -- April 1, 2026, Deerfield Selectboard votes to advance Stillwater Bridge replacement and accepts EMS director's resignation. The board, sitting jointly as the Selectboard, Board of Health, and Sewer Commissioners, voted 3-0 on April 1 to acquire by eminent domain seven easements from Great River Hydro LLC for the Upper Road bridge replacement project, awarding $1,600 in damages and recording the plan in Franklin County Register of Deeds Plan Book 157, page 77. The board also accepted the resignation of South County EMS Director Joshua Sparks, effective June 22, 2026, and approved a $10,000 contract amendment with Kuhn Riddle Architects for design changes at the 1888 municipal building. Town Administrator Christopher previewed a 24-article draft annual town meeting warrant that includes a proposed $400,000 Proposition 2½ override for EMS operations and a separate override for the South County Senior Center, with the warrant closing April 8 and town meeting set for May 11. The board deferred action on adopting a zero-emission vehicle first policy, with member Blake Gilmore requesting a week for further review.