Templeton MA

Templeton MA Local News and Community Information

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• State Rep Race

  Update 9-4-26 9am: Nate Boudreau has formally endorsed Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson stating: “this November, I’m voting for Michael J. Nicholson” Read Boudreau’s entire statement here on PDF, CLICK HERE.

  

  Nate Boudreau Out, Nicholson and Reilly on November Ballot in 2^nd Worcester District Rep Race

  While the exact number of write-in Republican votes for Nathan Boudreau in Gardner has not been announced, a win is a mathematical impossibility. The candidate won a total of 23 write-in votes total among Ashburnham, Winchendon, and Templeton. If Boudreau ends up winning 100% of the write-in 104 votes from Gardner, the total would still be only 127, 23 short of the 150 minimum required to secure the Republican nomination and be on the November ballot. Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson was unopposed as a Democrat, and John Reilly is running as an Independent.

  Boudreau prematurely congratulated Mike Nicholson in a post: “First, congratulations to Representative-elect Mike Nicholson. I wish him well, and I sincerely hope he succeeds for Gardner, Ashburnham, Templeton and Winchendon. When he succeeds for this district, we all do.” Boudreau also thanked his supporters. There is a reason why Nate Boudreau did not consider that John Reilly has a realistic chance – Besides Reilly’s lack of government experience, it may be because it has become known that Reilly had a number of profanity-laden facebook posts which have been screenshot and publicized. (In our opinion, the Reilly posts were so nasty and vile we will not publish them here.)

  John Reilly Jr. responded to the public outrage by posting: “I did and said a lot of wild and crazy things when I was younger. I’ve never claimed to be perfect or a “mainstream candidate.” I’m in this for us though. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, I’ve learned from all of them. I’ve said and done a lot of things, some I wish I could take back. I never give up though. Everyone has to make adjustments from time to time. I understand and will always root for you.”

  Interview Opportunities were offered to Reilly: Gardner Magazine has done interviews with Nicholson and Boudreau and offered the same opportunity to Reilly. Local radio station WGAW has done interviews with Nicholson and Boudreau and offered the same opportunity to Reilly and all candidates for office. Reilly has given no response.

  The current State Representative of the 2^nd Worcester District, Jonathan Zlotnik has publicly endorsed Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson for the position.

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• Templeton Select Board 8-24-26

  

  Templeton 2 Hour Select Board Meeting – Challenges and Transitions

  Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  The Templeton Select Board meeting of August 24, 2026 addressed critical municipal transitions and fiscal challenges. The session begins with a memorial for Irene Murray before moving into a public hearing regarding a restaurant license transfer for Long Long Noodle.. Substantial discussion follows concerning a proposed tax override, where residents and officials discuss the potential impact on property values and public safety services. The board also reviews the status of animal control officer training, updates on the Main Street Bridge project, and the retirement of the Emergency Management Director. Finally, the board explores strategies for indirect billing of enterprise funds and the pursuit of professional grant writing services to improve the town’s long-term financial health.

  At the end of the meeting, Select Board Chair Bennett praised Gardner Mayor Nicholson who has reached out regarding grants. Here’s what Bennett said. CLICK PLAY.

  

  

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• Templeton MA – 8-24-26

  

  Please watch this short video prepared by Gardner Magazine which illustrates the importance of this override and avoiding catastrophic Public Safety cuts.

  The Chair Man and the Chair Lady explain and discuss the issue in this podcast. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Templeton Town Administrator James Ryan Explains Upcoming Override Vote

  At the Templeton Select Board meeting of August 20, the specific override language was approved. This Press Release explains everything in detail:

  On Monday, September 28, 2026, Templeton voters will be asked to decide whether the Town may levy an additional $1,388,534 in property tax revenue through a Proposition 2.5 operational override. If approved by voters and appropriated at Fall Town Meeting, the override will help balance the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and prevent further reductions to key municipal services.

  The proposed FY27 budget totals $24,762,222, including Templeton’s assessment for the Narragansett Regional School District (NRSD). The NRSD budget approved at the August 3rd district-wide meeting increased Templeton’s required contribution to $9,829,831. That action created a $1,160,186 shortfall in the Town’s municipal budget, requiring either additional revenue or significant service reductions.

  Town officials have already taken extensive steps to reduce spending while preserving core services. Earlier in the budget process, reductions totaling $1,118,700 were ultimately approved by the Select Board. These reductions followed months of public meetings, department reviews, and budget deliberations.

  Initial FY27 budget cuts have already resulted in layoffs and service reductions, including the loss of positions in Building and Grounds, Highway, and the Police Department. The proposed override would restore the Police Department’s 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift, commonly referred to as the midnight shift, which was eliminated when the fiscal year began on July 1, 2026.

  If the override is not approved, or if approved funds are not appropriated at Fall Town Meeting, the Town will need to reduce municipal services by $1,160,186. These reductions would affect non-school services and substantially reduce services in multiple town departments. Cuts to the general fund budget include six police officers, four firefighters, seven DPS employees, loss of hours at the Senior Center, and more.

  Residents are encouraged to review the Town’s override information materials, attend public meetings, and participate in the September 28th vote. Additional information, including specific departmental reductions, can be viewed on the Town’s website at: https://www.templetonma.gov/1625/Proposition-25-Override-Info

  

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• Boudreau Interview 8-24-26

  

  CLICK on one of the infographics below for a larger image.

  Nathan Boudreau Interview – A Campaign for 150 Write-in Votes

  Listen to the entire interview on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  
  Candidate Nathan Boudreau is campaigning for a write-in vote in the Republican primary for the Second Worcester District state representative seat. Primary is September 1, 2026. Boudreau emphasizes his fifteen years of municipal experience, specifically highlighting his background as a town administrator and city councilor. Boudreau argues that the current state funding formulas for education and infrastructure unfairly disadvantage rural communities compared to urban centers. His platform focuses on increasing government transparency, ensuring affordability for taxpayers, and addressing the specific needs of Gardner, Templeton, Ashburnham, and Winchendon. Ultimately, he presents himself as a prepared leader capable of challenging the status quo on Beacon Hill to secure better resources for his constituents.

  

  

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• Templeton Election September 28

  

  Special Select Board meeting changes Special Election date to September 28th:

  Listen to the 5 minute meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  
  During a 5 minute special meeting on August 20, 2026, the Templeton Select Board formalized the specific legal terminology for an upcoming tax override ballot question. This measure seeks to raise $1.38 million to fund essential municipal roles, including police officers, firefighters, and highway department staff, alongside various library and senior center services. The board emphasized that the State Attorney General and town counsel dictated the precise wording to ensure statutory compliance. Additionally, officials voted to reschedule the special town election to Monday September 28, 2026, to accommodate administrative deadlines and the town clerk’s availability. This adjustment ensures the ballot proofs reach the printer in time while accounting for staff vacations. The meeting concluded swiftly after these two critical items were approved by a unanimous vote from the board members.

  

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• Templeton PD Chief 8-17-26

  

  A special election is scheduled for September 22, 2026 in the Town of Templeton MA, the first step in approving the $1.38 million in funding to avoid disaster in Templeton.

  Templeton Police Chief gets Overwhelming Applause at Meeting, but AUDIO of applause mysteriously muted in VIDEO

  Listen to the exchange at the Templeton Select Board meeting of August 17, 2026 at which Templeton Police Chief Bennett explained how devastating immediate cuts to the Police and other Departments would be. We have left in the silence for accuracy. CLICK PLAY.

  
  When Chief Bennett concluded, the room burst into applause. For some reason, the techs recording the meeting muted that AUDIO. Proof of this action is shown in our graphic of the meeting AUDIO at left – why they did it, who knows. But to be accurate, residents at the meeting overwhelmingly did not want the Board to make immediate cuts and supported the Chief of PD. Selectman May indicated he was influenced by the public in the room and voted YES to the motion to make cuts only in October if an override on the issue fails. Vote was 3 to 2. To be clear: The failure of an override would wipe out vital Public Safety positions and would be devastating to the Town of Templeton.

  The Proposed Override Details: Later in the meeting, a motion to go for a $1.38 million override was approved which would also restore the midnight shift for the Templeton PD – right now the only coverage overnight is the State Police. Our infographics show that the decision is about $438 for the average Templeton taxpayer, a little more than 1 dollar per day to avoid a public safety disaster in the community. Special election is scheduled for September 22^nd. Details in the infographics below. Click image for larger view.

  

  

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• Templeton 8-17-26

  

  Failure of the Override would lead to a disaster of Public Safety cuts as outlined above. CLICK IMAGE for larger view. Gardner Magazine will follow up to this article with the exact date and time once it is posted along with the exact language of the warrant.

  Templeton Gets a Short-Term Stay on Disaster Pending Outcome of Override Vote

  The Templeton Select Board on August 17, 2027 voted 3-2 to avoid immediate cuts after an impassioned speech by the Police Chief who warned that if officers are laid off now it would be hard to undue the damage. So with cuts off the table for now, the Select Board motion to proceed with an override occurred almost 2 hours into the meeting. Here’s just that 10 minute segment. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  
  Members of the Templeton Select Board met to discuss and ultimately approve a $1.38 million tax override motion to address significant budgetary deficits. During the debate, some officials expressed concerns that the requested amount is a temporary fix that fails to cover long-term school funding demands, potentially leading to another fiscal crisis next year. Some members suggested that a larger override could have acted as a financial reserve to prevent repeated tax hikes, though others worried about the burden on taxpayers. The board also reviewed a grim list of service cuts that would take effect if the override fails, including the loss of police officers, firefighters, and highway department staff. Despite some reservations that the funding might be insufficient, the board voted unanimously to move the measure forward to prevent the collapse of essential municipal services.

  The board reviewed a detailed list of cuts that will be implemented if the $1.38 million override is not approved by voters.

  The proposed reductions would effectively dismantle several municipal departments. Public Safety Reductions:

  Department	Specific Cuts	Remaining Staffing/Status
  Police	2 resigned positions not backfilled; 4 additional officers eliminated.	Only the Chief and one officer would remain.
  Fire	2 firefighters/paramedics cut; part-time administrative assistant eliminated.	Reduced emergency response capacity.
  Dispatch	1 dispatch position eliminated (via retirement).	Reduced coverage.

  Public Works and Infrastructure: The Department of Public Services (DPS) would face the most significant workforce reduction in terms of volume:

  • Staffing: Six employees across the Highway and Buildings & Grounds divisions would be eliminated.
  • Administration: The DPS administrative assistant position would be gone.
  • Seasonal Labor: All seasonal workers for Buildings & Grounds would be cut.
  • Outcome: The board noted that the town “wouldn’t have much of a department” left for highway or grounds maintenance.

  Community and Library Services

  • Senior Center: The Community Services Director and the Senior Center Manager would see reduced hours. The part-time kitchen staff and two van dispatchers would be eliminated.
  • Library: Two library assistants would have their schedules reduced by one day per week.

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• Nicholson Interview 8-14-26

  

  Various infographics are provided to further illustrate and expand upon the themes discussed during this August 14, 2026 interview with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson. Gardner’s “Success Architect” is running for State Representative of the 2nd Worcester District.

  

  Municipal Leadership and Regional Strategy Interview with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson

  Gardner Magazine had the distinct privilege of speaking with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson on August 14, 2026 for this interview showcasing key insights, policy positions, and municipal achievements. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  
  In this interview, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson discusses his record of municipal leadership and his vision for the 2nd Worcester District as he runs for state representative. He highlights his administration’s success in securing state grants and managing complex infrastructure projects, such as the construction of a new elementary school and various downtown revitalization efforts. Addressing regional challenges, Nicholson emphasizes the impact of systemic rising costs on municipal budgets and the importance of professional grant writing to boost local revenue. He also clarifies local controversies regarding property redevelopment and environmental safety, specifically addressing the remediation of historical sites. Throughout the conversation, Nicholson maintains that his technical experience in city management will allow him to better advocate for the district’s communities in the state legislature. He concludes by reiterating his commitment to maintaining essential services while pursuing long-term economic growth through collaborative regional planning.

  Gardner Magazine has frequently characterized the City of Gardner as the “Model City for America.” Under Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson’s tenure with the cooperation of the Gardner City Council, it is our position that the “Model City for America moniker has been earned. These infographics illustrate various aspects of the Mayor’s positions, policies, achievements, and models for success.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Gardner Magazine Video: The Discretionary Illusion. This video explains how difficult it is for municipalities to make ends meet when money is short as such a high percentage of the monthly expenses are mandatory. While there can always be some waste, a large amount of waste is almost mathematically impossible.

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• Templeton Select Board – $1 Plan

  

  $1 May be the Answer to the Templeton MA Budget Woes

  Listen to the August 10, 2026 Templeton Select Board Meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  The Situation

  The Templeton 3 Hour Select Board meeting of August 10, 2026 was a preview of decisions which need to be made at the next meeting of August 17, 2026. Central to the discussion: the critical $1.1 million municipal budget deficit. This financial crisis follows the passage of the regional school budget and the failure of previous tax overrides in May. The town is currently operating at a deficit, spending funds it does not yet have, which the board characterizes as “irresponsible” and “rolling the dice.”

  The Possible $1 per Day Solution

  The Select Board reached a consensus to pursue a second override. If for example an override of $1.1 million was passed that would equate to roughly $359 per property taxpayer, or $1 per day. The follow-up meeting scheduled for August 17th is expected to result in the finalized dollar amount and the specific “nuclear options” for service reductions. The $1 per day illustration is used to demonstrate that a small amount of sacrifice will produce the big dividend of preserving what Templeton residents have come to expect in the form of certain services and amenities.

  During the Meeting

  During the August 10th meeting, Department heads presented “bare-bones” cuts, but emphasized that significant savings can only be achieved through personnel layoffs in the town’s largest departments: Police, Fire, and Public Works. It will be up to Templeton residents to decide whether maintaining current services is worth $1 per day. Gardner Magazine infographics below provide additional specifics.

  

  

  

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• Templeton – July 2026

  

  Templeton MA News July 2026

  A major fire and a high-stakes budget battle dominated Templeton’s news cycle.

  Public Safety and Economy

  • Auto Auction Fire: On July 2, a three-alarm fire at Insurance Auto Auctions on Baldwinville Road destroyed approximately 60 vehicles. Neighbors reported multiple explosions during the event.
  • Restaurant Closure: KRO’s on the Common announced it would close permanently on August 15, citing rising food and insurance costs.

  Governance and Infrastructure

  • NRSD Budget Battle: The Select Board warned that if the $27 million regional school budget passes, Templeton may be forced to cut $1.1 million from police, fire, and other municipal departments.
  • Heroes Park: A groundbreaking ceremony was held on July 4 for a new park dedicated to veterans and emergency responders.
  • Utility Work: A public hearing was scheduled for August 10 regarding utility pole relocation on Gavin Road.

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