Athol MA – June 2026 News
Athol is defined this month by a strategic tension: the town is aggressively cutting municipal staff to balance a failing budget while simultaneously watching its social safety nets expand to meet a surge in community need.
Municipal Budget and Labor Reductions
Voters at the Annual Town Meeting approved a $21.5 million budget for FY27, a move aimed at closing a $1.7 million deficit. To achieve this, the town has authorized home rule petitions to expand liquor licenses—a clear attempt to use economic development as a revenue tool. However, the immediate cost remains high.
| Category | Specific Impact |
|---|---|
| Personnel (Cuts) | 4.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions eliminated |
| Personnel (Vacancies) | 4 positions to remain permanently unfilled |
| Program Eliminations | Total cancellation of summer beach and recreation programs |
| Budget Total | $21.5 million (FY27) |
Educational Leadership Instability
The Athol-Royalston School Committee is in a state of upheaval following a 5-4 vote to extend Superintendent Matthew Ehrenworth’s contract. The narrow margin and the timing of the vote—conducted while Ehrenworth was a finalist for another position—triggered the immediate resignation of multiple committee members, leaving a leadership vacuum during a critical transition period.
Health and Human Services
In contrast to the municipal contraction, the Athol Area YMCA food pantry is expanding. Bolstered by monthly pledges from local manufacturer Whipps, Inc., the pantry is increasing its footprint to address rising food insecurity. The “So What?”: This expansion, coupled with the commissioning of the new Heywood Healthcare helipad, provides a vital regional security layer. As municipal services recede, these private and healthcare-sector developments are becoming the primary stabilizers for the region’s vulnerable populations.