Hadley Capital Panel Approves $640,000 Borrowing Package for Infrastructure and Safety

HADLEY -- October 7, 2025, Hadley Capital Planning Committee unanimously approves adjusted $640,000 borrowing plan for town meeting. The four-member committee voted 4-0 on October 7, with Chair Paul Benjamin and members Randy Iser, Christine Kuczynski, and Paul McCretzky all voting in favor of a capital package that also includes $88,000 in free cash spending and $300,000 each from water and sewer reserves for asset management programs. Key adjustments made during the session included moving a $30,000 police body armor vest replacement from the borrowing column to free cash, reducing a demolition budget for the vacant 230 Middle Street property from $100,000 to $75,000, and swapping a tree-work line for an $8,000 DPW garage door replacement. School Superintendent Annie presented roughly $367,000 in Hopkins Academy safety upgrades, including a vestibule entry system, window blinds, and a blue-light notification system, while asking that warrant language keep security specifics vague. DPW Superintendent Scott McCarthy outlined $50,000 in Hartsbrook Bridge engineering work he said could unlock a state small-bridge grant worth up to $500,000, and Hadley Media Director Alex disclosed his department's reserve fund is projected to reach zero by fiscal 2028 regardless of capital approvals, with Finance Director Linda noting the department will eventually need to be absorbed into the general budget.