HATFIELD — A new veterans agent to assist Hatfield military veterans is being sought by town officials, as the possibility of a more permanent link up with the Central Hampshire Veterans Services in Northampton is considered.

The Select Board’s discussion about the eight-hours-per-week position at its meeting last week came after Joseph Letourneau, who was hired a year ago, resigned in November.

Town Administrator Marlene Michonski told the Select Board that the town’s immediate need is to have the January paperwork for veterans completed. “We want to make sure our veterans continue to receive their benefits,” Michonski said.

Chairwoman Diana Szynal said it’s important that the town provide assistance for veterans to get benefits.

Letourneau was named veterans agent after Gerry Clark, in the position since 2015, died in 2022. Early in 2023, the Select Board received proposals from both Central Hampshire, at a cost of $14,700 per year, and Upper Pioneer Valley Veterans Services in Greenfield, at a cost of $9,000 per year. In the end, the board decided to appoint Letourneau while also getting assistance from Central Hampshire for the first few months of his tenure.

When the board accepted Letourneau’s resignation last fall, Szynal said: “We certainly thank him for the time he dedicated to this.”

Michonski said she could draw up a proposal for Central Hampshire to help out for a period of time.

“In the past, Northampton has been a backup for us,” said board member Ed Jaworski.

“We’re lucky we have them to fall back on when this type of thing happens,” Szynal said.

Board members seemed to indicate the preference would be to have someone in town as the veterans agent. Since posting the job, some have inquired, and anyone else interested in the job, for a veteran who has been honorably discharged, should contact Michonski.

Administrator to retire

Meanwhile, Michonski told the Select Board that she will be retiring as town administrator as of Dec. 31, 2024. Her letter of retirement gives board members almost a year to find a successor.

“I feel the board needs that time, particularly going into the budget process for the next fiscal year,” Michonski said.

Michonski has been involved in municipal work for 35 years, mostly in Hampshire County, including being the town administrator in Hatfield from 2002 to 2010, before returning to the position in 2015. Szynal was among those who originally recruited Michonski to work in Hatfield 22 years ago.

Michonski, an Easthampton High School graduate, earlier spent 14 years as administrative assistant in Southampton and nine years on Easthampton’s Licensing Board. During her time outside the region from 2010 to 2015, Michonski was office manager for Braintree’s Department of Public Works.

“You’ve given many years of dedicated, exceptional service to the town,” Szynal said.

“I’m happy for you, but I’m sad you’re going,” Jaworski said. “We’re going to miss your wisdom, your work ethic, your intelligence. You’ve gone above and beyond.”

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.