Tri-board votes 14-2 to use $158,990 free cash

In this report: Key decisions · Next dates · Full report · Sources

What happened

Ashland's Select Board, School Committee, and Finance Committee voted 14-2 to use $158,990 in free cash to cover a fiscal 2027 budget deficit of $158,909.11. The deficit stemmed from a $643,000 new growth revenue shortfall (the lowest since 2003 outside the 2010 recession), a $251,380 police department budget gap, and $91,846 in uncovered snow and ice costs. Finance Committee member Mark Terry warned that repeated reliance on one-time fixes has drawn S&P Global Ratings' attention and could threaten the town's credit rating.

Key decisions

• 💰 Use $158,990 free cash for budget deficit. The tri-board voted to cover the $158,909.11 fiscal 2027 deficit with $158,990 from free cash, avoiding service cuts ahead of the November 10 special town meeting. The deficit was caused primarily by a $643,000 new growth shortfall, a $251,380 police budget gap, and $91,846 in snow and ice costs. (Vote 14-2; Next: Nov. 10). Read case details

Next dates

• Nov. 10: Special town meeting to vote on FY27 budget article

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Full meeting report

The complete, section-by-section account of the meeting, 2,146 words, for members.