Acton, Massachusetts Development News
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Acton Select Board Meeting - July 20th, 2026
Published: Jul 20, 2026
Water Resources Advisory Committee to Review MS4 Permit and Stormwater Management Plan
The town of Acton is required to update its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit every five years with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the EPA. Engineering staff has requested the Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC) to review the updated stormwater management plan. This task, previously outsourced to Woodward and Curran in 2022, will now be handled in-house by the town engineer and assistant DPW director, saving costs. Involving WRAC is intended to enhance public education and outreach efforts related to the permit and stormwater management. WRAC has expressed eagerness to contribute and may also assist with the annual report.
Acton Implements Level Four Drought Water Restrictions
The Acton Water District has implemented level four critical drought water restrictions, prohibiting outdoor water use except for food and fiber production, effective immediately. This is due to ongoing drought conditions, marking the third consecutive year of below-average rainfall. Prohibited activities include lawn and landscaping irrigation, pool filling, car washing, and exterior surface washing until further notice.
Acton Approves ACEF Parlin Facility Use and Fees Policy with Revisions
The Acton Select Board unanimously approved the ACEF Parlin facility use and fees policy. Key revisions included clarifying the facility's name, matching participant limits to indoor capacity (49 permits), and directing all reservations through an online portal. The policy also outlines 'bumping' procedures, where a previously approved usage request might be superseded for a more urgent need, with provisions for alternative locations/dates and two weeks' notification. Clarifications were made regarding deposit requirements for certain entities and usage durations. Trash removal procedures were detailed, requiring permit holders to break down large items and dispose of them if too large for receptacles. Signage rules and access to exterior bathrooms with potential hourly fees for staff monitoring outside town hall hours were also addressed. Fee structures for additional town resource support were clarified, including custodial, kitchenette, and AV fees, with options for category one users to cover these in lieu of fees.
Acton Select Board Reviews FY28 Budget Deficit Reduction and FY26 Revenue Surpluses
The Acton Select Board discussed the upcoming fiscal year 2028 budget, noting an initial projected deficit of just over $3.5 million. This deficit has been reduced to $3.4 million due to an increase of approximately $100,000 in projected state aid. The board also reviewed the fiscal year 2026 budget, which is exceeding revenue projections by over $1 million, primarily due to stronger than anticipated local receipts and investment income, as well as motor vehicle excise taxes. The town ended fiscal year 2026 in good shape with a turnback in the 1-2% range. Discussions also touched upon the need for a potential debt exclusion for the public works facility, with design costs around $1.5 million already invested.
Acton Approves Commuter Lot Rates, Plans Advertising Campaign and System Upgrade
The Board of Selectmen approved the FY2027 commuter lot rates, maintaining current rates for the remainder of calendar 2026 and revisiting them in early 2027. The current rates are $175/month for 1 Maple Street and 19-21 Maple Street, and $100/month for Jones Field. Acknowledging high vacancy rates (81% at Jones Field, 73% at 1 Maple, 91% at 19-21 Maple), the Treasurer Collector recommended an advertising campaign and the replacement of four kiosks with a pay-by-plate system. Revenue from kiosks over the last three fiscal years was $107,000 (FY24), $198,000 (FY25), and $148,000 (FY26). The board also discussed potentially shifting to quarterly billing for reserved spaces and exploring new parking models.
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The Acton News archive
Acton Finance Committee Meeting - July 14th, 2026
Acton Select Board Meeting - July 6th, 2026
Acton Finance Committee Meeting - June 23rd, 2026
Great Road Design Public Hearing - June 17th, 2026
Acton Select Board Meeting - June 15th, 2026
Acton-Boxborough School Committee Meeting - June 11th, 2026
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