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From a Google inquiry:

<>South Hadley, Massachusetts, is facing a severe budget crisis in early 2026 driven by a structural deficit, with expenses outpacing revenue due to a 42% spike in healthcare costs, rising special education needs, and stagnant state aid. The town is considering a Proposition 2½ tax override to address a roughly $3 million-plus deficit, with options ranging from $9M to $11M in extra taxes to avoid deep cuts to school staff, library services, and public works.

Key Causes of the Budget Crisis:
Surging Costs: An abrupt 42% increase in health insurance premiums combined with mounting special education expenses, which are outpacing tax revenue growth.
Structural Deficit & Past Cuts: A Budget Task Force report highlights that the town has underfunded services for over a decade, with school funding averaging
2% increases despite needing 4-6% to maintain services.

Declining/Flat Revenue: Reduced state aid, limited new growth, and the depletion of pandemic-era federal funds.
Reduced School Enrollment: Loss of $3.1 million due to school choice and enrollment trends, which reduced state funding formula amounts. <>

Forty-two percent spike in healthcare costs? What, for homo/trannies and illegals?

Special Education? Color me skeptical.

“School choice and enrollment trends,” meaning parents with resources beating feet from crappy schools. Oh, and thank abortion and general horrible MA government for fewer students.