FY27 Budget & Override Information

FY27 Budget and Override Information

Introduction:


The Annual Town Meeting will be on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.  A key item on this year’s warrant is a proposed operational override. If approved, the override would allow the town to raise additional revenue beyond the standard levy limit. If passed at Town Meeting, the override will also require approval by voters at the Annual Town Election on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026.

A $2.75 million operational override is being put forward for the FY27 budget. 

We are compiling information, resources, and FAQs on this page to help community members learn more about the FY27 budget process and override proposal. We will continue to post additional information and updates below over the coming weeks. 

FY27 Budget & Override Public Forum

Thursday, March 26th, 7PM - Select Board Meeting Room, Ashland Town Hall (101 Main St. Ashland, MA)


CLICK HERE to review Select Board Vice Chair, Brandi Kinsman's Opening Remarks 


CLICK HERE to review the presentation from Town Manager, Michael Herbert.


CLICK HERE to review the presentation from Superintendent of Schools, Jim Adams.


If you have questions regarding the override you may click on the link below.

Please submit your questions here: https://forms.gle/hz5sPYfE3pVix64bA

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Override Questions and Answers  

(Includes questions from March 26th Forum)


To view a most recent document with questions and answers from residents CLICK HERE. 

To watch a recording of the March 26th Public Forum CLICK HERE.  


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Tax Impact Calculator

Fiscal Year 2027 - Tax Impact Table

  1. Fiscal Year 2027 - Estimated Tax Impact Table

FAQ's:

What is an override?

A vote by the community at an election to permanently increase the levy limit.

What is Proposition 2 1/2?

Proposition 2 ½ is a Massachusetts state law that limits the amount of property tax revenue a municipality can raise through real and personal property taxes. This revenue is called the “tax levy.” The levy limit can exceed the levy ceiling only if the community passes a capital expenditure exclusion, debt exclusion, or special exclusion. 

Budget Resources:

Town Manager Michael Herbert's Proposed General Fund Budget Transmittal Letter (PDF)
https://www.ashlandmass.com/DocumentCenter/View/16506/FY2027-General-Fund-Budget-Town-Manager-Transmittal-Letter-V01

Town Manager Michael Herbert's Proposed General Fund Budget for FY2027 (PDF)
https://www.ashlandmass.com/DocumentCenter/View/16505/FY2027-General-Fund-Budget-Document-V01

Jim Adams, budget book (PDF)
https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1773322260/ashlandk12maus/ld7vip6pvfgzfmssweb5/CopyofFY27ProposedBudgetReport10.pdf

Jim Adams presentation from March 11, 2026 - Presented to the School Committee (PDF)
https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1773323553/ashlandk12maus/pjtfhpnmqgouzcviamsq/31126BudgetPresentation1.pdf

December 10, 2025 - TriBoard Meeting - Michael Herbert & Jim Adams Presentation (Video)
http://98.118.96.186/internetchannel/show/8379?site=3&query=Triboard&fullText=false

January 21, 2026 - TriBoard Meeting - Michael Herbert & Jim Adams Presentation (Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VlmXG5HkwI

March 10, 2026 - TriBoard Meeting - Michael Herbert Presentation (Video)
http://98.118.96.186/internetchannel/show/8514?site=3&query=Triboard&fullText=false

March 19, 2026 - Select Board Meeting - Michael Herbert Presentation (Video)
http://98.118.96.186/internetchannel/show/8519?currentDay=2026-03-18&channel=3