HOLYOKE — In an announcement welcomed by City officials, the Standard & Poor (S&P) rating agency has affirmed Holyoke’s A+ bond rating and given Holyoke high marks for its financial management policies. Click to review report. S&P also assigned the City its “SP-1+” short-term rating for $32.2 million in bond anticipation notes (BANs). SP-1+ is … Continued
A policy designed to gain revenue from tax-exempt property owners was presented to a City Council subcommittee Tuesday. Known as a PILOT — Payment in Lieu of Taxes — the purpose of the policy is to bring in a portion of the money a tax-exempt property (for example, properties owned by non-profit organizations and quasi-public institutions) would … Continued
The new budget preparation season is here! A memo to all departments with instructions for the FY26 budget planning process was distributed today. To review memo click here. While departments work on their first draft budget requests, just like in previous years, the Mayor will be connecting with City Councilors one-on-one to go over their objectives … Continued
January 24, 2025 Dear Holyoke community members and staff, As your mayor and as your superintendent of schools, we are affirming our commitment to ensure and protect the rights of all Holyoke residents and employees, and especially our newcomer and immigrant families whose safety and well-being are now imperiled by recent announcements at the federal … Continued
HOLYOKE — In response to the impending winter snowstorm and low temperatures, the City of Holyoke announces the opening of an emergency shelter dedicated to providing refuge for the unhoused population. The location is 51 Hamilton Street. Access is through Kate’s Kitchen door in the back parking lot. The shelter will open at 5 p.m. … Continued
We have a shared responsibility to keep our city clean and safe, not only because it’s required by our city laws but because it’s the right thing to do for each other and for our environment. There are several ways the community can communicate quality-of-life concerns to the city (potholes, streetlight outages, graffiti, park maintenance, … Continued
FAQ: Special Election on January 28, 2025 On January 28, 2025, Holyoke voters will participate in a special election to decide whether the City Treasurer should continue to be an elected position or become a position appointed by the City Council. This document provides answers to common questions and explains the context and rationale behind … Continued
HOLYOKE — At a Special Election Tuesday, January 28, City voters will be asked if they want to continue the practice of electing the City Treasurer or approve a City Charter change to make the position appointed, rather than elected. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. In-person and absentee voting options … Continued
HOLYOKE — The public is invited to the Oath of Office ceremony for Brian Keenan, Holyoke’s incoming Police Chief. The ceremony will take place in the ballroom at Holyoke City Hall, 536 Dwight Street, on Tuesday, January 7, at 11 a.m. Father Mark Stelzer will offer an opening prayer. The speakers will be Holyoke Mayor … Continued
On Tuesday, December 17, the City Council voted on the shift factor that set the tax rate for residential and commercial properties. For the first time in years, favorable shifts were presented and concluded a significant reduction of tax rates for both residential and commercial properties. However, the average single-family home tax bill will still … Continued
