The street listing or census will be arriving at Savoy households this week, ( January 16th). This annual process is necessary to keep information about the town and its population up to date. The town is able to determine the amount of aid it needs from the state through the information from the census. Residents are asked to please check the form, make any corrections, sign the document, and return it in the stamped addressed envelope as soon as possible. It is very important that all children in your household are listed on the form as well as others living with you. Aid to the schools, programs and grants, depend on this information. This is also the time of year that dog owners are reminded that dog licensing for 2006 has begun and will run through April 30th. All dogs, six months or older, residing in Savoy, require an annual license. All dogs and cats in Massachusetts must be vaccinated against the rabies virus, but only dogs in town need to be licensed. Dog tags can be issued only with proof of a valid rabies certificate. Included in the census mailing is information regarding the cost of fees, the kinds of licenses available and the Town Clerk's hours. Dog tags can be requested by mail. Each year the Town Clerk's office and the Fire Department try to arrange a local rabies clinic to help residents get their dogs vaccinated. As soon as information is available it will be posted.

Also included in the mailing this year is a questionnaire from the Savoy Agricultural Commission. Residents are asked to fill out the form and return it with the census in the envelope provided for your convenience.

Stickers are now available at the Town Office for use at the Transfer Station. The cost of an annual sticker for your motor vehicle is $35, plus $2 for each additional vehicle's sticker. Stickers can be purchased from the Town Clerk's office on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1 to 5PM. They are also available each week-day, Monday through Friday from 9AM to 1PM from the Office Manager, and on Tuesday evenings between 7 and 9PM. All vehicles will require a sticker beginning February 14th. Orange trash bags marked with the name of the town are still required and can be purchased at the Transfer Station. (Bags are not available at the Town Office.) from the Town Clerk

Select Board meeting Tuesday, January 3, 2006 was attended by all select board members. Joe gave a report on the Transfer Station. Sale of stickers is going smoothly.

Chad reported on progress with the highway department on the issue of discontinuance of maintenance of roads. The procedure will be for Ray to submit a list of roads for consideration of discontinuance of maintenance. The Select Board will agree on which roads should be considered. After the decision, the roads will be advertised in a local newspaper, a notice will be posted for 14 days, and abutters will be notified by mail. An informational meeting will be scheduled. The final decision for discontinuance of roads will be made by the Select Board.

Chief Steve Dean reported that ‘hunting and fishing licenses’ will no longer be available in Savoy. He has only had a few requests. The required paperwork by the state agency to support the continuance of offering these licenses in Savoy is not cost effective. Residents have been purchasing their licenses at other businesses.

The Select Board will begin working on the Annual Budget this month. The Finance Committee is expected to being this process in February.

NOTICE: The Town of Savoy is looking to fill a position for a part-time appointed Dog Officer. This position would be on an "as needed" basis. For more information or to receive an application, stop by at a Select Board Tuesday night meeting at 7 PM at the Senior Center, 720 Main Road. by Brenda Smith