SOUTH HADLEY, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- South Hadley residents will vote Tuesday on whether to pass a Proposition 2½ override as the town navigates a $3 million budget deficit.

The ballot question comes as the town faces health insurance increases, along with state and grant funding cuts. Voters will decide whether to approve a $9 million or $11 million budget override to keep the town operating at its current level.

If an override doesn’t pass, significant cuts are on the table to important services for South Hadley’s 18,000 residents.

The South Hadley Public Library could be forced to close its doors. The senior center is at risk of losing staff. South Hadley’s public schools would face major cuts and potentially lose extracurricular activities and sports programs.

The town’s police, public works, human services, and inspections departments could also take a hit.

“We’re dealing with some long-term structural issues, things that are related to local government, but really things that are state, federal and things that might be out of our control,” said Lisa Wong, South Hadley town administrator.

Wong said both override options would help protect services, but $11 million gives South Hadley more time to create a long-term plan. “The $9 [million] over the $11 million override essentially gives us another year where the $11 [million] over $9 million gives us a little more certainty over sustaining services. The biggest difference is obviously between no override,” Wong explained.

Wong added a record turnout is expected at the polls Tuesday. “I’m not sure exactly what’s going to turn out tomorrow, but it is great to see people are engaged and having an important conversation together,” she noted.

Wong said no matter what happens at the polls, town leaders are ready to move forward and manage the multi-million budget deficit. “We’re certainly prepared no matter what happens and will handle it the best we can,” Wong said.

If it passes, the average homeowner in town faces a tax hike of more than $1,700. The polls are open at South Hadley High School from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday.

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