HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) - A public forum was held in Hadley on Wednesday evening to discuss the town's budget following a failed override vote.

Residents recently voted nearly 2-to-1 against two override questions that would have increased property taxes to fund town departments, including schools and public safety, and to raise money for the stabilization fund.

"Our total that we are going to need to fund is $355,611.80," said Fire Chief Michael Spanknebel of the Hadley Fire Department. "What we have remaining at this point in the salaries is $247,670.77. So even with all of those layoffs, we are still looking at a shortfall of $107,944.10. So what are we going to do? That is going to be another two-plus employees that we would have to lay off on top of this."

Town leaders are preparing f

See Full Page