Hatfield Select Board Approves Liquor License Transfer, Insurance Panel, and Power Rate Hike

HATFIELD -- February 24, 2026, Hatfield Select Board approves power rate amendment, liquor license transfer, and new Insurance Advisory Committee. The board voted 2-1 at its February 24 meeting to authorize Town Administrator Andrew to sign an amendment to the town's Community Choice Power Agreement with Colonial Power Group, a move that will raise participating residents' electricity rates by roughly $6 to $7 per month above Eversource basic service until at least August due to underpriced Day Ahead Ancillary Services Market Costs, known as DAISY, built into the current contract. In a separate unanimous action, the board approved regulations establishing an Insurance Advisory Committee and appointed eight members, including DPW Director Marlo Warner and Lieutenant Clint Phillips, as required under state law for bargaining over employee health benefits, with the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust expected to set FY27 rates at a 12.4 percent increase including new deductibles of $250 for individuals and $500 for families. Fire Chief told the board that South County EMS has notified the town it will charge $350 per dispatched call beginning July 1, projecting to roughly $65,800 annually based on 94 first-half calls, leaving the town to choose between absorbing that cost, moving to full 24-7 in-house staffing estimated at $480,000, or allowing the ambulance program to fold. The board also approved unanimously the transfer of the Hatfield Market all-alcohol retail license from Axog Incorporated to Zanex Corporation, represented by Attorney Roger Lipton of Northampton.