Hadley Finance Committee Reviews Departmental Budgets, Flags Custodian Gap and Insurance Costs

HADLEY — March 19, 2026 — Hadley Finance Committee reviews departmental budgets amid staffing shortfalls and easing health insurance forecast. The committee heard presentations from the Board of Health, Veterans Services, Council on Aging, and Parks and Recreation on March 19, approving minutes from four prior meetings on a unanimous voice vote. Council on Aging Interim Director Violet reported the department cut its budget by approximately 37,000 dollars — about 17 percent — reducing staff hours from 140 to 115 weekly without layoffs, but warned that the retirement of the town's longtime custodian has left a maintenance gap that a private cleaning service "will not suffice" to fill, and that the Friends of Hadley Council on Aging cannot fund that gap indefinitely. Town Administrator Jennifer told the committee the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust is now projecting a 12.48 percent rate increase, down from an earlier forecast of up to 20 percent, with every percentage point representing roughly 20,000 dollars; health insurance spending through February 2026 stands at approximately 1.35 million dollars against a 2.2 million dollar budget. Board of Health Director Ben disclosed that the department's public health nurse at the senior center resigned the morning of the meeting after working seven hours every other week, and said Hadley's revenue from the Asparagus Festival will drop this year because the full-scale event is canceled.