Written by Sara Withee(Feb. 20, 2026) - A month after nominations opened, five residents have returned the paperwork to run for local office in May, according to a list released by the Ayer Town Clerk's office. The annual town election will be held on May 12, 2026. Meanwhile, there are 12 open seats, including two seats on the Planning Board and one on the Regional School … [Read more...] about Who is Running for Local Office in Ayer?
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Where the Ayer-Shirley Regional School District Budget Stands
(Feb. 11th) – The Ayer-Shirley Regional School District has now made preliminary budget presentations to both the Ayer and Shirley Select Boards.On Feb. 3rd, the school district met with the Ayer Select Board, Finance Committee and Town Manager, presenting a preliminary budget reflecting an 11.9 percent increase in Ayer’s operating assessment & debt and 14.7 percent in … [Read more...] about Where the Ayer-Shirley Regional School District Budget Stands
Rate Review Committee Recommends Water and Sewer Rate Increases; Maintains Same Stormwater Rate for Second Year
(Please note: on Feb. 24th, we updated our coverage to reflect that the committee voted to raise the sewer rate by 4 percent, not 5). (Feb. 10, 2026) - The Rate Review Committee has voted to recommend a 3 percent increase on water rates and 4 percent on sewer rates for FY2027. Meanwhile, the committee is recommending the same stormwater drainage rates as this year. All three … [Read more...] about Rate Review Committee Recommends Water and Sewer Rate Increases; Maintains Same Stormwater Rate for Second Year
State Fire Marshal Orders No Further Blasting on Lincoln Hill Project Pending Investigation
(Feb. 6, 2026) - The State Fire Marshal has ordered no further blasting related to the Lincoln Hill project, pending completion of an investigation into a large "flying rock" discharging onto a residential property, damaging a shed, according to the Town of Ayer. The Town of Ayer issued a statement on Friday, Feb. 6th. This was posted to the Town of Ayer's Facebook page at … [Read more...] about State Fire Marshal Orders No Further Blasting on Lincoln Hill Project Pending Investigation
Feb. 5, 2026: Ayer News Update
Check out our stories from the week: Ayer-Shirley Regional School District Proposes 11.9 Percent Increase to Ayer's Preliminary Assessment, Read articleCapital Planning Committee Holds on Sandy Pond Beach House Project Until Design Plans Come In, Read article Planning Board Approves 4-Story Mixed-Use Building on Park Street; 12 New Apartments, Commercial Space Coming to … [Read more...] about Feb. 5, 2026: Ayer News Update