Dartmouth Select Board reappoints chair, approves new Environmental Affairs Director

DARTMOUTH — April 13, 2026 — Dartmouth Select Board reorganizes, retains chair, and fills top environmental post. The board voted 4-1 Monday to reappoint Heidi Silva Brooks as chair, with Shawn McDonald the lone dissenter after his motion to elevate Vice Chair Christopher O'Neil to the top post failed 1-4; O'Neil was then unanimously reappointed vice chair. Newly elected member Nathan Silva was seated following the April 7 town election. The board unanimously approved a contract for Jennifer Miller as Environmental Affairs Director, replacing retired coordinator Marc Garrett, with Miller set to begin May 11. Town Administrator Cody Haddad reported legal spending has fallen from roughly $36,000 per month to $22,000 — saving approximately $150,000 annually — but a shortfall of about $178,000 remains in the fiscal year 2027 school budget even after redirecting all new revenue to the schools and drawing $100,000 from the Collective Bargaining Stabilization Fund. The town also received a $135,000 MassDEP grant for energy upgrades at the DPW building and wastewater treatment plant.