The Journal. · Monday, June 29, 2026
Belchertown, facing a nearly $1 million health insurance deficit largely due to GLP-1 drugs, had to make difficult choices. Planned infrastructure projects, such as school roof repairs and senior center updates, were put on hold to cover the unexpected costs.
“Which meant it was faced with a big budget question. What's more important? Healthcare or keeping the lights on?”
“Not only did the town have to put planned projects on hold, they also had to claw back money already allocated for other things.”
“And positions that were going to be hired were put on hold.”