Ashland Budget Override
Ashland Public Schools face a $2.75 million budget deficit. Two votes will determine the future of our schools, public safety, and town services.
🏛️ Town Meeting — May 6th
🗳️ Town Election — May 19th
Under MA law (Proposition 2½), municipalities can only increase property taxes by 2.5% each year, but this year a combination of rising costs will exceed the available revenue, resulting in a $2.75 million budget deficit for the Town of Ashland. To address this deficit, the town will vote on an Operational Override at Town Meeting (May 6th) and at Town Election (May 19th). The planned override takes into account thoughtful restructuring (cuts) while providing level service to Ashland Public Schools, fully considering the impact of higher taxes on the community.
Learn more about the proposed FY27 Budget Override through the presentations and discussion from the March 26th Public Forum at Town Hall.
Why do we need an override?
What is being proposed?
Deficit
Eliminate 13.2 Positions
($36/mo)*
This approach minimizes permanent tax impact to residents, while maintaining current service levels at schools and town.
*Based on the average value of a single-family home in Ashland ($737,364).
If YES Prevails vs. If NO Prevails
✅ If “YES” Prevails
- $2.75 Million tax increase
- APS must still reduce staffing by 13.2 positions, but an additional 12.8 position reduction is prevented
- APS budget restructured for future stability
- Sustainable athletics program
❌ If “NO” Prevails
- 13.2 Position reduction at APS, and even more devastating cuts in subsequent years
- Increased class sizes
- APS athletic program cuts and fee increases
- Depletion of remaining one-time funding, leaving no margin for emergency needs
- Larger FY 2028 override request
For More Information
Website
VOTE YES!
Town Meeting — May 6th
Town Election — May 19th