Hadley Board of Health Files Flat FY2026 Budget, Eyes Permit Fee Increases

HADLEY -- January 9, 2025, Hadley Board of Health submits flat FY2026 budget and flags potential permit fee increases for 2026. Health Director Ben Tobiasz and a board administrator identified as Peter filed a level-service preliminary budget for fiscal year 2026, matching the current year's approved spending dollar for dollar, by the January 6 deadline set by Interim Town Administrator Mike Mason and Treasurer Linda Sanderson. Peter reported that 90 to 95 percent of food establishments have already renewed their 2025 operating permits, with roughly eight or nine businesses still outstanding due to difficulties with online payment systems; all hotels have renewed both operating and pool permits. Peter signaled that a comparative fee review against neighboring communities including Amherst, Northampton, and South Hadley is planned ahead of calendar year 2026, noting that Hadley "held the line" on fees this year while surrounding towns raised theirs. Animal Inspector Dragon, also a board member, briefed the board on H5N1 avian influenza awareness, describing two herd inspections conducted on imported cattle during the week of the meeting and noting no confirmed cases east of the Midwest.