Hadley Board of Health Schedules Fall Permit Fee Review for January 2026 Effect

HADLEY -- May 8, 2025, Hadley Board of Health moves toward first permit fee review in at least four years. Health Agent Peter told the board Thursday that many of Hadley's permitting fees have not changed since 2021 and that a preliminary survey of comparable Massachusetts communities, including Northampton, Greenfield, Hatfield, Lowell, and Gloucester, shows some neighboring towns charging double Hadley's current rates. The board agreed by consensus, without a formal vote, to conduct a full fee review in September 2025 with any increases taking effect January 1, 2026. Peter confirmed that the town clerk provided written documentation the morning of the meeting affirming the board's authority to raise fees without a town meeting vote. Health Director Ben separately reported that all food establishments in town are fully permitted and compliant, and that three commercial trash haulers, USA, Pioneer Valley, and Casella, are now operating under town permits, allowing the department to inspect vehicles and verify DEP-approved disposal sites.