Hadley Select Board Weighs Steep Water Rate Hikes

Select Board · Meeting of September 2, 2026

Hadley's Select Board heard a water study warning bills could nearly triple by 2032. A consultant's asset management plan found up to $52.5 million in near-term water capital needs, driving recommended 22 percent residential rate hikes and a 40 percent jump to the agricultural rate, which sits at $4.25. A typical household bill would rise from $614 to $1,551 annually; officials called the impact "low burden" under AWWA's 3.5 percent income standard.

The board opted to hold the eventual rate vote across at least two separate meetings rather than one. Separately, the board approved Anthony Hubbard as Applebee's new liquor-license manager, continued an Eversource utility-pole hearing on Aquavita Road two weeks over town-take boundary concerns, and heard resident Patrick Dragon call for the town to drop its Flock Safety camera contract, quoting Abington's police chief that policing "isn't simply about having the most tools."

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,325 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of September 2, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.