Let me start by stating that I have lived in Hadley 72 out of my 76 years. Now I reside in Amherst a quarter-mile from Hadley’s town line. I still own property in Hadley and that allows me to still enjoy the amenities Hadley has to offer.
During my time in Hadley, I served four years on the Finance Committee and eight years as a Selectboard member. I would like to express my opinion about the Prop 2-1/2 override vote, in view of my previous experience in Hadley finances.
Before going ahead, I would like to go back for a little history lesson. During the presidency of McKinley, inflation was very high and loss of jobs was rampant. His answer was to raise tariffs, which unfortunately, lead to the Great Depression. History can always repeat itself. With today’s increased tariffs being put into place, prices at the grocery store, sticker price on new cars, goods in general are rising. If the vote passes, so too will your taxes. Can you afford a higher tax bill right now?
Municipalities do not want to lay off personnel. Reason being, you lose their workmanship and you must pay unemployment benefits for them. Towns and cities do not pay as you go, rather pay dollar for dollar at the time of their unemployment. Thus, losing an employee while still having to pay them without any production for services rendered. On the flip side, employees’ salaries also include approximately 40% in benefits, such as sick leave, health insurance, vacation time, and retirement payments. A trained municipal employee will not be unemployed for long as their expertise is in demand. You also cannot afford to raise a family on unemployment benefits in today’s economy.
In 1981, I chaired the Hadley Finance Committee. Loss of employment was high; all the while inflation was on the rise. Yes, we were in a deep recession. Proof of the situation was shutting off 439 street lights in response to the implementation of Prop 4. That lead us into the permanent institution of Prop 2-1/2, which we live with today. Going into 1982, I was elected to the Selectboard. Along with my colleagues, we instituted policies to combat the situation.
Average interest rates for a 30-year mortgage were 16.4% for that year, peaking at 18%. Hadley made it through the recession with minimal disruption until the economy improved. Today we are confronted with a situation very much like in the past. Yes, once again we must tighten the reins or pass an override vote to compensate the situation. Hadley will not stop educating our children; our roads will still be plowed; the Senior Center and Library will remain open — rumors circulating around Hadley to the contrary. These are just scare tactics to have you vote for the override. Both the school and highway budget came in with minor increases in their budgets.
It was gratifying to see that a majority of the Finance Committee took the correct position regarding the override. A handout, supplied to the attendees at the special Town Meeting, highlighted where the override monies were to be applied. However, this sheet totaled approximately $1.4 million, not the approximately $2.25 million requested. Further inquiry revealed that approximately $847,000 was to replenish reserves, along with paying for health and employee compensation increases. One cannot wonder why officials claim that on the one hand, our financial situation is so dire that it requires an override, while on the other hand, they are asking for more than $800,000 for these costs that include building reserves. Would a homeowner try to build up their savings account at a time when they are having difficulty meeting their current obligations? I could pinpoint out problematic areas in the budgets, but writing space is limited.
All indications point to another recession. Hadley will survive no matter what, and will prevail as it has since 1659, because we live in the Five College area and Pioneer Valley which enhances our economy.
In closing, I am not telling you how to cast your vote on Sept. 29. Hadley voters are intelligent when it comes to casting their ballots. Don’t believe the rumors, just the facts! So, go out and vote to show Hampshire County that Hadley cares about its future.
Donald J. Pipczynski lives in Amherst and owns property in Hadley.