Ashburnham MA – May 2026
The top news stories in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, this month focus heavily on municipal governance, seasonal regulations, and community events:
Annual Town Meeting and Budget Approval
The town held its Annual Town Meeting at the Oakmont Regional High School Auditorium. Residents voted on the proposed town budget of $21,352,162 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. Key articles voted upon included raising $910,000 to operate the Sewer Department enterprise fund, alongside capital spending and minor zoning adjustments.
Seasonal Water Conservation Mandate
The Ashburnham Select Board enacted a mandatory water conservation policy that officially went into effect on May 1 and runs through September 30, 2026. The mandate restricts non-essential outdoor water usage between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. To protect the local supply, residents must follow an odd/even day watering schedule based on their street addresses.
Memorial Day Ceremonies
The local veterans community organized a series of Memorial Day services. The event featured a morning procession starting at the Meeting House Hill Cemetery. It moved past the New Cemetery and concluded with a multi-war memorial service and addresses from the Grand Marshal at Town Hall. Local municipal offices were closed for the day.
Public Safety Training and Demos
The Ashburnham Police Department’s K9 unit collaborated with regional agencies—including the Townsend Police and Amherst University Police—for a regional criminal justice initiative. The meetup at Fitchburg State University featured demonstrations showcasing the advanced tracking and trailing capabilities of local bloodhound units.