WESTFORD – The Select Board approved an ambitious set of goals for fiscal years 2026–2027 at its December 9 meeting. The board also received the Town Manager’s proposed FY27 operating budget, which represents a 4.38% increase over the current year.
Town Manager Kristen Las delivered the FY27 budget overview to the Select Board, Finance Committee, and School Committee. She highlighted that the new goals are fully aligned with Westford’s Strategic Plan adopted earlier in 2025. The plan organizes town priorities into seven outcome areas: Caring and Engaged Community, Responsive and Responsible Town Government, Commitment to Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action, Diverse and Attainable Housing Options, Intentional and Appropriate Economic Growth, Quality Educational Opportunities, and Opportunities for Recreation and Preservation of Open Space.
Key goals include finalizing and implementing a comprehensive communications plan, launching a hybrid “pay-as-you-throw” (PAYT) trash program in FY27, updating the Housing Production Plan, completing the Route 40 Corridor Master Plan, advancing energy-efficient projects with Ameresco, and beginning a town-wide sidewalk and trail master plan.
The board voted unanimously to adopt the goals, after minor language amendments related to the communications plan were agreed upon.
FY27 budget overview
The proposed FY27 operating budget totals does not rely on a Proposition 2½ override. Revenue assumptions include $2.4 million from the annual 2.5% levy increase, $850,000 in projected new growth, and modest increases in local receipts and state aid.
Major pressures cited include rising health insurance and retirement costs, collective-bargaining settlements, deferred maintenance on public facilities, and the need to restore professional development funding which was cut after the failed FY25 override. The budget allocates roughly 70% of new general-fund revenue to the schools and 30% to municipal operations, consistent with recent practice and peer communities.
Notable new initiatives:
- Implementation of a hybrid pay-as-you-throw solid-waste program (basic curbside service remains free; overflow bags priced at $2.75 each), projected to save $54,000 net annually.
- Funding for continued economic-development consulting services.
- Additional building inspector hours to handle increased permitting activity.
- Restoration of professional development budgets across departments.
Capital spending proposed for the March 2026 Annual Town Meeting totals approximately $37 million, including the Westford Academy roof/HVAC replacement, Cameron Senior Center HVAC upgrades, and various sidewalk and stormwater projects.
The next steps in the budget process include Finance Committee public hearings throughout January and early February, final warrant decisions in late January, and the Annual Town Meeting scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Westford Academy.
Residents are encouraged to visit the town’s budget webpage (westfordma.gov/budget) for the full presentation, detailed budget book, and Finance Committee hearing schedule. A dedicated page for the pay-as-you-throw program includes an FAQ and public information sessions, which will be launched in the coming weeks.
