Budget Task Force recommends $11M override to maintain services
The Budget Task Force voted 10–1 to recommend an $11 million tax override to maintain town services and address a structural budget deficit. Kevin McAllister, co-chair, reported state aid changes will produce a net decrease of roughly $6,000 but remain neutral overall. A straw poll on four
Budget Task Force · Meeting of February 2, 2026
SOUTH HADLEY — The Budget Task Force voted 10–1 to recommend an $11 million tax override to maintain town services and address a structural budget deficit. Kevin McAllister, co-chair, reported state aid changes will produce a net decrease of roughly $6,000 but remain neutral overall. A straw poll on four scenarios showed strongest support for $9 million (10 yes, 1 no), followed by $6 million (9 yes, 2 no) and $11 million (8 yes, 3 no).
Lisa Wong, Town Administrator, said an $11 million override could be structured over five years; under a $6 million scenario, approximately $2 million would apply in the first year against a projected FY27 deficit of $3.5 million. Task Force members emphasized that departments operate lean and that the higher override level may represent the minimum needed to sustain services.
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Source: the Budget Task Force meeting of February 2, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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