Hampden Selectboard Approves $750,000 Borrowing, Moves on Old Town Hall

Selectboard · Meeting of January 5, 2026

Hampden Selectboard approves $750,000 internal borrowing and launches Old Town Hall study committee. Town Treasurer Richard Patello told the board that a $1,222,222.75 water district project expenditure, with only $650,000 yet taxed, created an unusually tight cash-flow crunch this winter, compounded by a $200,000 asphalt bill; the board voted unanimously to authorize him to borrow up to $750,000 from the $1.312 million stabilization fund, with repayment expected by February 1. The board also took initial steps toward forming a committee to weigh the future of the vacated Old Town Hall, with volunteers Joe Stabile and Ted stepping up on the spot and formal committee creation placed on the January 12 agenda.

Separately, the board approved formation of an Open Space and Recreation Plan update committee tied to a $25,000 Land Conservation Assistance Grant, with Pioneer Valley Planning Commission expected to assist. The town's move to the new town hall at 85 Wilbraham Road came in $12,000 under budget, and a $90,000 state earmark contract for building improvements has been signed.

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Source: the Selectboard meeting of January 5, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.