Boxborough Town Meeting Approves $31.1 Million Budget, Avoids Override for Now

BXB Annual Town Meeting · Meeting of May 19, 2026

Boxborough voters approved a $31.1 million operating budget for fiscal year 2027, narrowly avoiding an operational tax override. Finance Committee Chair Tony Newton told the May 19 Annual Town Meeting that the town's levy of $28.9 million came in just below the maximum allowable levy of $29.9 million, but warned a fiscal year 2028 override remains possible given looming fire station construction debt of approximately $30 million. Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee Boxborough Vice Chair Adam Klein reported the district's $122.6 million budget — a 4.75 percent increase — reflects the closure of the Conant building and consolidation of six elementary schools into three, projected to save nearly $17 million over 10 years.

Voters also passed a plastic bag reduction bylaw banning checkout bags with handles from local retailers beginning January 1, 2027, after a contentious floor debate over Planning Board authority and community outreach. Town Meeting approved $116,000 for OpenGov permitting software despite a majority-opposed Finance Committee recommendation, with the building department projecting $30,000 annually in new fee revenue to offset costs.

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Source: the BXB Annual Town Meeting meeting of May 19, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.