Amidst the various topics discussed in the Hatfield Select Board meeting, one notable issue was the town’s education budget. The school budget was under intense scrutiny as the board examined a request for a $200,000 increase to fund 31 students at Smith Vocational School. Questions arose about the necessity of the increase and its impact on the town’s overall financial health. School representatives justified the increase by pointing to rising costs, such as a new bus contract and salary increases. They noted that the budget had been restructured to cut $107,000 through administrative changes without affecting class sizes or offerings.

The school committee also highlighted the benefits of past investments, including maintaining two classes per grade level and funding for essential positions like a psychologist at the elementary school and a full-time music teacher at Smith Academy. The committee emphasized their efforts to address building maintenance and food service budgeting. Additionally, the possibility of a grant for roof repairs and solar panels was discussed, which could influence the budget if received.

Further, the board and school representatives engaged in a dialogue regarding the allocation of certain expenses, with some members questioning the decision to include these within the school’s budget rather than the capital budget.

Another notable topic was the financial implications of sending students to the Frontier Regional School. A community member raised concerns about the cost and the town’s financial obligations should the school regionalize, which sparked a broader conversation on budget allocations and potential cuts. The Public Works and Health and Human Services budgets were reviewed with no changes, but attention quickly shifted to the Water and Sewer Enterprise fund debt issue and the stormwater Asset Management plan.

The board deliberated on a possible 2% reduction in expenses across departments, with a particular focus on the school budget. The debate centered around whether the school should absorb the cut or if the town should find alternative funding sources. The potential of using free cash and ARPA funds for certain expenditures was discussed, with emphasis on the stormwater Asset Management plan and equipment replacement. The board was divided on whether to make immediate decisions or to reconvene for further discussion on the budget.

Additional financial discussions at the meeting included the need to review the town’s financial officers and the challenge of attracting competitive candidates due to low wages, with the board agreeing to revisit this issue after the town meeting. They also addressed concerns about increased pump station activity and possible fines due to rainwater drainage into the sanitary sewer system, considering a smoke test to identify the issue’s source.

The meeting recognized the need to inform residents about an upcoming bike tour fundraiser to prevent potential concerns. Further, the budget items were reviewed in a joint meeting with the finance committee, where an additional $33,000 for fire and ambulance expenses was approved, and an increase in vocational school tuition and transportation costs was addressed.

The meeting also paid tribute to Maryanne Burke, the first woman ever elected to the Hatfield select board, and John Wil Senior, who dedicated over 51 years of service to the town. Resignations within local councils and commissions were acknowledged, with Lyn Lovell stepping down from the cultural council and John Shivi being appointed to the Recreation Commission for a two-year term.

The Town Administrator reported on the SA Park pavilion project, the administrative assistant vacancy, and the hiring of new firefighter EMTs. Additionally, the DPW report included an approved water and sewer abatement.