HADLEY — Another eight to 11 positions could be eliminated in next year’s municipal budget as Hadley officials get an early start on the development of a funding plan.
Spreadsheets prepared by Finance Director Linda Sanderson and presented at a virtual meeting Nov. 25 show that for a $22.17 million budget, which would be $585,749 less than this year’s budget, cuts through attrition or layoffs would be needed.
But Sanderson said decisions about the use of free cash and revenues, such as from local receipts, and whether the town would attempt another Proposition 2½ tax-cap override, could adjust these figures. Voters rejected an override this fall for the fiscal year 2026 budget.
Interim Town Administrator Michael Mason said the town already lost 10 to 11 positions this year, including some that were left unfilled and others that were with the fire department.
“So you’re talking a total of over 20 over the course of two years,” Mason said.
Level funding is the best any department would expect, Sanderson said, rather than asking department heads to prepare budgets outlining their needs.
“I think you might want to consider reining in the expectations,” Sanderson said.
Mason said if layoffs are being sought, the Select Board establishing guardrails would give departments an opportunity to make some of these decisions.
“At the same time I do think it’s important that the Select Board and Finance Committee hear what the effects of those adjustments are going to be,” Mason said.
Mason said he is already hearing about how cuts are affecting the community. “This is going to be deeper; we’re basically doubling the cuts,” Mason said.
Select Board member Molly Keegan said officials need to have a conversation with schools sooner than later, considering that education is such a sizable portion of the budget.
Select Board member Jane Nevinsmith said if another override is contemplated, and were to fail again, schools would be affected in a much bigger way.
Superintendent Anne McKenzie said she would be clear with the community about the consequences and impact on programs.
“We at the school department stand ready to help,” McKenzie said, intending to work together so departments are not pitted against each other.
“We are all focused on the same thing: how do we provide the best possible services to everyone in the community, from cradle to Council on Aging, in a way that is financially tenable for the folks who live here,” McKenzie said.
Mason said a multiple board meeting could be scheduled for Dec. 17 to begin these conversations.
“Get everyone at the table and we go from there,” said Select Board chairman Randy Izer.