SOUTH HADLEY, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Mount Holyoke College has announced a $3 million, 10-year commitment to the town just days before residents vote on a tax override.

The donation brings $2.2 million in support for South Hadley schools and students plus $800,000 for one of the town’s fire stations. Mount Holyoke President Danielle Holley said it’s all part of the college’s broader mission.

Of the funding dedicated to South Hadley schools, Mount Holyoke College said it will include scholarships for qualified South Hadley students admitted to the college and an annual financial and in-kind contribution to the Michael E. Smith Middle School’s Washington, D.C. trip.

College leaders added they will partner with town and school officials through a joint working group to pair financial support with Mount Holyoke students, faculty, and staff to expand opportunities for students.

Mount Holyoke College noted it already contributes more than $1 million a year to South Hadley through taxes, cash, and in-kind support. In 2023-2024, the college paid $382,557 in property taxes and sewer fees and said it spends more than $5 million each year with local vendors.

Matthew Huard, part-owner of Dolli’s Curated Closet in South Hadley, said Mount Holyoke College has been helpful to the business since it opened. “Mount Holyoke College has been really helpful to Dolli’s Curated Closet since we’ve opened. We’ve had a great relationship with the college and they’ve been very helpful trying to get us internships,” he epxlained. “It’s good to see that Mount Holyoke College is so supportive to South Hadley and the local businesses here and the local fire department the local schools.”

The college’s announcement comes less than a week before the town’s annual election on April 14, where residents will vote on whether to have a Proposition 2½ override which would potentially raise property taxes starting July 1.

Huard said it’s nice to see Mount Holyoke College stepping up and making an impact in the community, especially with uncertainty surrounding the local budget. “I think the town of South Hadley can use some positive news now. With the vote going on, I’m sure people are on edge on both sides,” he added.

South Hadley Town Administrator Lisa Wong said the town does not have a formal Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement with Mount Holyoke College as of right now and said detailed discussions haven’t started yet. She added she is hopeful this commitment is the start of a long-term relationship and continued support for South Hadley Public Schools.

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