Hatfield Select Board Approves Liquor License Transfer, Insurance Panel, and Power Rate Hike

HATFIELD — February 24, 2026 — Hatfield Select Board approves power rate amendment, liquor license transfer, and new Insurance Advisory Committee. The board voted 2-1 at its February 24 meeting to authorize Town Administrator Andrew to sign an amendment to the town's Community Choice Power Agreement with Colonial Power Group, a move that will raise participating residents' electricity rates by roughly $6 to $7 per month above Eversource basic service until at least August due to underpriced Day Ahead Ancillary Services Market Costs, known as DAISY, built into the current contract. In a separate unanimous action, the board approved regulations establishing an Insurance Advisory Committee and appointed eight members — including DPW Director Marlo Warner and Lieutenant Clint Phillips — as required under state law for bargaining over employee health benefits, with the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust expected to set FY27 rates at a 12.4 percent increase including new deductibles of $250 for individuals and $500 for families. Fire Chief told the board that South County EMS has notified the town it will charge $350 per dispatched call beginning July 1, projecting to roughly $65,800 annually based on 94 first-half calls, leaving the town to choose between absorbing that cost, moving to full 24-7 in-house staffing estimated at $480,000, or allowing the ambulance program to fold. The board also approved unanimously the transfer of the Hatfield Market all-alcohol retail license from Axog Incorporated to Zanex Corporation, represented by Attorney Roger Lipton of Northampton.