Hatfield Select Board commits $231,000 in ARPA funds to five capital projects

HATFIELD — June 11, 2024 — Hatfield Select Board approves $231,000 ARPA spending plan and hires two department heads. The board voted unanimously on five capital projects recommended by the Capital Planning Committee: $112,000 for fire department software, up to $100,000 for Council on Aging flooring, $73,000 for Smith Academy HVAC upgrades, $21,000 for an elementary school freezer unit, and $25,000 for a fire station entrance repair — all subject to the December 31, 2024 federal obligation deadline. Auditor Tony Roselli of Roselli Clark Associates presented the FY2023 audit, citing staff turnover as the driver behind a $337,000 unreported debt payment, $800,000 in undocumented capital transfers, and a $51,000 health insurance prepayment that temporarily reduced free cash, calling all findings "easy things to fix." The board unanimously appointed Tammy Wendowski as Treasurer-Collector and Isabella Jager as Assistant Town Planner, and denied Building Inspector Kyle Scott's request to carry over 156 hours of unused vacation, citing a lack of extenuating circumstances and the size of the ask.