ASHFIELD — One hundred and twenty-four voters unanimously approved all requested budget items at Ashfield’s three-hour Annual Town Meeting on Saturday, including a $3.1 million assessment to the Mohawk Trail Regional School District that accounts for operating and capital costs.
The Mohawk Trail assessment for fiscal year 2027 represents an 8.4% increase over what Ashfield paid this fiscal year, but the Selectboard and Finance Committee both endorsed it, saying the district has done as much as possible to keep costs low. School officials noted that fixed costs rose by $2.7 million while state aid remains flat or declines.
Saturday’s meeting began with the good news that Ashfield will begin the new fiscal year with about $300,000 of revenue surplus, despite cost increases in nearly every department. If no unforeseen expenses arise, the average tax bill is expected to stay at this year’s level.
The town’s broadband fund has consistently been operating at a surplus, and this is the first time the town has used money from the broadband fund to offset general government costs. For the coming fiscal year, 5% of wages in several town categories are to be paid for using the broadband fund.
The Mohawk Trail Regional School District’s proposed budget for the coming school year is $28.9 million. To have a budget in place by the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, the district’s budget must be approved by at least two-thirds of its member towns.
Ashfield currently has 70 children enrolled at Sanderson Academy and 39 students at Mohawk Trail Regional School.
Superintendent Sheryl Stanton described the increased budget as “a perfect storm of minimal state funding and rising costs.” To reduce additional costs, 17 positions were cut from the school system, she said.
School Committee Chair Martha Thurber added that the district has been advocating to increase rural aid on the state level.
“We need to send a message to legislators that rural aid is critical,” she said.
Approved expenses include:
- General Government: $799,404. Public Works: $996,115. Health and Human Services: $79,218. Culture and Recreation: $152,673. Intergovernmental Services from the Franklin Regional Council of Governments: $45,461.
- Capital expenditures to be paid for from free cash include a Fire Department/utility pickup truck ($30,000), fixing the retaining wall on Bronson Avenue ($200,000), a tractor blower for the Highway Department ($7,209) and several projects recommended by the facilities manager.
- Employee benefit expenses. Retirement assessments have risen by 47% over the past five years. The increase for fiscal 2027 is 12.5%, totaling $450,808.
Townspeople also unanimously agreed to adopt a cost-of- living adjustment on a tax exemption offered to senior citizens. Currently, seniors must earn less than $24,700 for those who are filing as single or $37,137 for those who are filing jointly to qualify. The adjustment will increase eligibility as the cost of living rises.
A similar cost-of-living warrant article was approved for eligible veterans who qualify for a tax exemption.
Accessory dwelling units
Article 27 asked voters to add regulations to the town’s zoning bylaws regarding protected-use accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The bylaw comes following the implementation of the state’s Affordable Homes Act, which allows ADUs of up to 900 square feet to be constructed by right in single-family residential zones throughout the state. Ashfield’s proposal, however, added greater leniency by allowing ADUs of up to 1,200 square feet by right, without the need for a special permit.
The bylaw also includes provisions noting that protected-use ADUs must be built within 100 feet of the primary dwelling, though a property owner could build farther away from the primary residence by obtaining a special permit. Multiple ADUs on a single lot will not be permitted, and the structures must meet current building and fire codes.
Some residents questioned whether the measure would encourage more short-term rentals instead of serving as a solution for housing elderly relatives or family members with disabilities, caregivers and renters.
“ADUs are not a silver bullet to the housing shortage,” commented resident Zac Chapman. He expressed hope that more would be done to find housing solutions for young families.
Resident Nina Coler asked Planning Board member Adam Bright why short-term rentals have been worked into the ADU zoning bylaw.
“Short-term rentals mean you could get Airbnbs everywhere,” she said.
“We are looking at that potential threat,” Bright replied. “We’ve been looking into a short-term rental bylaw that would prevent corporations from owning multiple units as tourist-only sites.”
The zoning bylaw regulating ADUs was approved by the required two-thirds of voters.
In other business, voters also unanimously approved formally redesignating Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples Day and renaming the Transfer Station & Recycling Center in memory of Phil Nolan III, honoring the late resident’s 35 years of service to the town.
Election results
The annual election brought 220 of Ashfield’s 1,450 registered voters to Saturday’s polls, resulting in a roughly 15% voter turnout.
Todd Olanyk was reelected to his Selectboard post for another three-year term by a vote of 161 to 50 against challenger Donald Finn.
Three candidates ran for two Park Commission terms. The highest vote-getters for the three-year terms were Nathaniel Russell (145 votes) and Jennifer Pease (112 votes). Ricki Carroll received 107 votes.
Wendy Keyser received the most votes for a five-year term as library trustee, by a 110-77 vote margin over Rachel Wang. Likewise, Victoria Gravel won a one-year library trustee position over Wang by a 104-83 vote.
Also elected to three-year terms in uncontested races were: Assessor George Stephan (195 votes); Board of Health, Jennifer Williams (189 votes); Constable Brian Dickinson (187 votes); Finance Committee, Paul Lacinski and Laura Pitter (183 votes and 170 votes, respectively); Planning Board, Robert Carlton (182 votes); and Sewer Commission, Eric Lehan (185 votes). Moderator Stewart “Buz” Eisenberg was reelected to another one-year term with 203 votes.