Letters to the Exchange

At Monday night's Acton Town Meeting, Tori Campbell, chair of the Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee, delivered a presentation during the Article 8 discussion that every resident needed to hear. It was candid, frank, and sobering.

Campbell laid out the structural reality facing our schools: because the Commonwealth classifies Acton and Boxborough as wealthy towns, state aid covers only about one-sixth of the district's $122.6 million budget – and increases by less than inflation each year. Health insurance costs have risen by double digits. Class sizes at the junior high and high school are among the highest in the state. The school committee has already made painful cuts to administrators, teachers, and supplies, and this year took the historic step of closing the Conant School building to put the district on a sustainable path.

But as Campbell made clear, internal restructuring can only go so far. The underlying problem is systemic – a state funding formula that leaves communities like ours increasingly on their own. Her message to residents was direct: stay engaged, and advocate for fair state funding.

The very next morning, the Boston Globe reported that the Massachusetts Senate voted to increase unrestricted local aid to cities and towns by $53 million — described as the highest such investment in state history. I want to thank State Senator Jamie Eldridge for helping to advance that effort. He has long understood the fiscal bind that Proposition 2½ and inadequate state aid create for communities like Acton, and his advocacy helped make this happen.

That said, $53 million spread across 351 cities and towns is a start, not a solution. Local officials had sought $351 million. The work is far from done.

Although I serve on the Acton Finance Committee, I am writing on my own behalf to say simply: thank you, Tori Campbell, for telling us the truth. And thank you, Senator Eldridge, for listening.

Greg Jarboe

Last year, I wrote that raising the visibility of the Acton Water District (AWD) was a central goal of my campaign. This year's turnout — at both the AWD Annual Meeting and Special Meeting — shows we have made real progress. Thank you to everyone who participated in those meetings and came out to vote in the Town election. Contested elections are the lifeblood of healthy local government, and I'm grateful to the organizations and individuals who made that possible: Green Acton, The Acton Exchange, the League of Women Voters, Acton Democrats and Republicans, and the many neighbors who engaged online, through signs, and in conversations around town — including at Dunkin's.

I also thank Stephen Stuntz for his long and dedicated service as an AWD Commissioner. For four decades, Steve's experience and deep knowledge of Acton's history helped shape our water supply and distribution systems — a remarkable contribution to our community.

Looking ahead, sustaining this momentum will require citizens to engage more regularly with AWD — particularly during the budget discussions that lead up to the Annual Meeting. With the AWD budget approaching $10 million, thoughtful rate-setting has never been more important.

The next Special Meeting of the Water District will take up the appropriation of free cash to fund capital needs, including water main upgrades, and will be scheduled once free cash is certified. It's another opportunity to build on the progress we've made — keeping our customers informed and strengthening Acton's water supply and distribution for years to come.

John Petersen

One may think that one less gas fired building may be considered a small win but this win can also be measured in the momentum of the entire town to decarbonize. Acton has been recognized as a top Climate Leader Community in Massachusetts, and the state of Massachusetts is a climate leader across the country, with one example being Melissa Hoffer taking office in 2023 as the first state level Climate Chief in the nation.

Since last year a grant for 1 million dollars was obtained and the cost of the upgrade of the nearly 40-year-old town hall HVAC system should now be without great debate. Between the choice of a gas system or a heat pump, the ongoing operating costs are nearly equal. What needs to be emphasized also is that fossil fuel gas has an 86 times greater greenhouse gas impact than carbon dioxide. And this matters as we continue to live in a climate emergency. Electric heat pumps make a great choice for the taxpayers and for the environment.

The actions of Acton plus other towns and cities in our Commonwealth continues to demonstrate that climate leaders influence neighbors, towns, and other states across the country.

Please join Mothers Out Front Acton as we look forward to a YES vote on Article 6 at Town Meeting on May 4th.

The Acton Select Board and the Finance Committee all recommend this article.

Judith Aronstein
Coordinator of Mothers out Front Acton.

Please read about Article #6 on page 30 of the Acton Town Warrant.
Link to town warrant.

I will vote Yes on Article 13 in support of the acquisition of the 46 Taylor Road property for $1,400,000. But I have questions about our land assessments.

The cost is high enough to require borrowing and a two-thirds majority vote at town meeting and highlights a problem.

The property in question is currently registered under Massachusetts Chapter 61B, which allows for a 75% reduction in real estate taxes in exchange for public recreational use, e.g. a short walking path included in the Arboretum trails.

The current appraisal by the Acton Assessor’s office for this property (just land, no improvements) is $429,800. The corresponding tax assessment, due to the Chapter 61B discount, is $107,450.

The town’s purchase price of $1,400,000 is set by a Purchase and Sale agreement between Mary Donald (seller) and DECA Corp. (property developer). This price is not an appraisal; it is a legal purchase agreement that represents the market value of the property.

Massachusetts Chapter 61B provides no opportunity for the town to negotiate with the seller nor the buyer. We have the right of first refusal: we can buy it at this price or not. If the town does not purchase the property, DECA will, for $1.4 million.

I hope we make this purchase, but the million-dollar question is: do our land assessments reflect actual market values for land in Acton? The current valuation, approximately $430,000, is less than a third the actual market value.

And there appears to be another property with this problem: The land at 524 Main St. is for sale, asking $2.2 million on a property with a land assessment of $786,500. A listing isn't a sale, but Sotheby's isn't likely overpricing the property by 2.8x. We'll know more when that sale is complete.

I will be voting Yes on Article 13. I believe 46 Taylor Road belongs as part of the Arboretum and will willingly pay my portion of the cost.

However, the unexpectedly high cost of this purchase raises questions about our tax assessments on land. Questions that deserve further review.

Gill Watt

I am writing to express my strong support for the protection of the 5.8-acre forested parcel at 46 Taylor Road. 

The Acton Arboretum is a wonderful place.  As someone who is not from Acton but is nevertheless quite familiar with municipal efforts to protect and take care of open space throughout the Commonwealth, I have to tell you that very few communities have established their own Town arboretums.  What Acton has done is truly remarkable. And, as many people can attest, the Arboretum is very well-loved and appreciated by many people, both inside and outside the Town. The Town, assisted greatly by the hard-working volunteer crews coordinated by the Friends of the Acton Arboretum, have created and maintained a wonderful space filled with a great diversity of plant life, with a great network of trails (some of which are fully accessible).  I have led many walks at the Arboretum, plus have planted and tended edible native plant species there, and consider it to be a truly special resource to the Town and to the region.   

The protection of the 5.8-acre piece helps protect the integrity and serenity of the Arboretum from the intrusion of development and its associated disruptions (lawn mowers, leaf blowers, etc.). 

Thank you for considering my remarks.

Russ Cohen

As Acton Town Meeting approaches, we are facing a pivotal decision about the future of our local economy. The proposed changes in zoning bylaws are not simply technical revisions, but a necessary step if Acton is to remain competitive, vibrant, and economically resilient.

The proposed changes to be voted for at Town Meeting, particularly those related to parcel use and business signage, offer a practical and forward-looking solution. They are grounded in the priorities set forth in the Strategic Economic Development Action Plan (SEDAP) 2025, which calls on us to expand opportunities for small-scale industrial, manufacturing, and medical-related uses, modernize zoning, and improve the design and vitality of our commercial and manufacturing districts.

These updates will not disrupt Acton’s character, but will instead strengthen it. By allowing greater flexibility within existing commercial and manufacturing areas, we can encourage a more diverse mix of businesses, support innovation, and make better use of the spaces already dedicated to economic activities. Just as importantly, these changes are designed to preserve the integrity of residential neighborhoods while enhancing our economic base.

We all know that businesses have choices. If Acton cannot offer a regulatory environment that is responsive and adaptable, we risk losing opportunities to neighboring communities that can. The proposals before us have been carefully developed to reflect the current economic reality, technological progress, and local needs. Now, they require your support.

I invite residents to engage with these proposals, consider their long-term value, and be part of shaping Acton’s next chapter as a town that honors its assets, values community wellbeing, and embraces the opportunities to build a brighter future.

Patricia Costa
Economic Development Director, Town of Acton

Thanks to town officials for the presentation, Acton Public Forum for Annual Town Meeting – Articles 6 & 7,explaining why Town Hall needs an air source heat pump system for heating and cooling (Town Meeting Warrant Article 6). Mothers Out Front Acton, a climate organization of mothers and others dedicated to a livable future for our children, encourages fellow residents to support this measure. It makes sense for many reasons--health, energy efficiency, money savings, and climate.

• The current gas-powered gas boiler is not responsive to variable weather conditions. The only way to switch from heating to cooling and back is to turn off the boiler each time.
•  Many fittings and coils are no longer available. For instance, new coils need to be custom-made in New Jersey. Automatic controls are outdated and no longer supported. Insulation with mold needs replacing.
• The back-up generator has been defunct for some time, with only a small, portable generator available This is problematic as the Town develops a resilience plan counting on municipal buildings for community support in times of crisis.
• The proposal for an air source heat pump system would install one of the most efficient heating and cooling systems available, allowing the building to move away from less efficient fossil fuels. (Yes, an electric cold-weather heat pump system relies on the grid, which does use fossil fuels, but air source heat pumps are still more energy efficient than other options. And, despite current federal policy, a more self-reliant, renewable grid makes sense as policymakers look toward the future.)
• Projections show winter electricity bills rising, but this is offset by greater savings in annual maintenance.
• A $1 million grant from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (thank you, Acton Sustainability Office) makes this project even more affordable.

Do you see climate impacts around you? We do. However, the rest of the world is showing that renewable energy and electrification are possible! It is happening on scale and it’s making a difference. Let’s do our part.

Sincerely,
Karen Root Watkins, on behalf of Mothers Out Front Acton

I first met Alissa three years ago when I dipped my toe into local politics by running for a West Acton Citizens’ Library Trustee position.  Over the course of the last three years, I have seen firsthand how dedicated Alissa is to the Town of Acton.  She was instrumental in resolving the governance issues for the West Acton Citizens’ Library, chairing the committee, organizing for several of us to attend a state house meeting to testify in support of the bill we proposed, and overall being an excellent advocate for our town’s libraries.  This is only what I have witnessed directly, she is involved in numerous other town committees, boards and events.  I do not know how she manages her schedule and keeps on top of everything she is working on, but she does!  She has been incredibly supportive in my own endeavors within the town and Acton is very lucky to have someone like her going to bat for us.  Alissa has accomplished so much over her first three-year term and I look forward to seeing what she can get done with another term.

Annie Channon
Acton Library Trustee

Thirty-nine years- yes 39 years-protecting Acton’s water. Steve’s commitment to Acton and its water has been steadfast -first on the Water District Finance Committee and then as a commissioner. Amid ongoing water challenges, Commissioner Steve Stuntz will continue to contribute his business expertise, historical knowledge, and strong collaborative decision-making skills to the Water District.  Adding to other letters of support, we want to highlight a few key accomplishments over the years. 

Stephen has:

• Developed big picture vision that has helped guide the Water District in buying necessary land, especially 549 Main St.
• Anticipated the towns need for safe water. Steve has been central to the construction of 3 treatment plants.
• Accessed timely external funding to support PFAS treatment. 
• ·Advocated for immediate planning and financing to upgrade and repair the North Acton wells caused by naturally corrosive ground water.

We have known Stephen and his wife Lees for over 50 years and feel so grateful for their commitment to giving back to the community.

We face two key challenges: controlling rate increases and planning ahead for persistent threats to our water system.

Carolyn and I will be casting our vote for Steve this week to meet these challenges. As a proven problem solver, we need him now more than ever.

Andy and Carolyn Platt

Dear Acton Voters:

The Acton-Boxborough Special Education Parent Advisory Council (AB SEPAC) is charged under MGL (Massachusetts General Law) with advising the district and the School Committee on the education and safety of students with disabilities. While the AB SEPAC is prohibited in our bylaws from endorsing candidates for public office, we encourage parents/guardians and community members to research candidates’ positions ahead of casting their ballots.

There is a contested race on April 28th for the Acton representation on the Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee, with six candidates vying for the three seats. The AB SEPAC contacted all six candidates with questions specific to special education. Attached are the answers they provided to our organization. They can also be viewed at this link: AB SEPAC 2026 SC Candidate Responses (Acton)

Please feel free to share this document with other residents. Submitted by Amanda Bailey on behalf of
Amanda Bailey, Abraham Gutierrez, & Kristin O’Neil
2025-2026 Acton-Boxborough SEPAC Co-Chairs

I am writing to support John Petersen for Water District Commissioner. https://www.johnspetersen.org/

I have known John for several years and recently had the chance to work closely with him on the Microburst podcast series about the September 2023 storm in Acton. That experience gave me a clear view of how he works. He prepares carefully, thinks things through, and takes getting things right seriously.

John has a long record of contributing to the town, including his service on the Acton Water District Finance Committee and previously on the Acton Boxborough School Committee. In his current role on the Water District Finance Committee, he is involved in discussions about water pricing, infrastructure investment, and balancing financial sustainability with fairness for residents, work that requires careful judgment and attention to detail.

But beyond the roles he has held, it is his consistency and reliability that stand out most. He listens. He asks thoughtful, measured questions. He is not interested in quick takes or easy answers. He wants to understand the full picture before forming a view.

I trust John’s judgment and his commitment to our community. I believe he will serve with care and integrity, and I strongly recommend him for Water District Commissioner.

Sincerely,
Sahana Purohit

I live in Stow, but my family and I have been hiking/walking in the Acton Arboretum for over 20 yrs. I also donate to the Friends of the Acton Arboretum. During the pandemic my "kids" and their kids (my grandkids) would gather there to celebrate birthdays and let off steam! It was one of the few places where we could go as a family and feel safe. I grew up in Illinois and when my relatives visit, we almost always take a hike in the Arboretum. They love it! It is a wonderful and truly different jewel in the diversity of conservation and agricultural lands in our towns, and the addition of 46 Taylor would help secure the last relatively large parcel that is contiguous with the current portions. While I cannot vote at the Acton Town Meeting, I hope the Town votes to use CPA (Community Preservation Act) funds to purchase the Taylor Road parcel. It will enhance the value of the Arboretum for the entire Town and your neighbors.

Sincerely,
Pam Weathers

Since I announced candidacy for school committee, a lot of people have been asking me ‘Diego, why are you running for School Committee? Aren’t you busy enough with four kids under 6-years-old?’. The answer is yes, I’m very happily busy with our family, but the lack of time, as the lack of resources, always inspires opportunities. I grew up in one of the poorest districts of Madrid. My parents only had elementary school level education, my father was a woodworker and my mother worked hard at home taking care of me and my four siblings. My father got sick with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) when I was 9 years old, and he passed away when I was 14. Even from his wheelchair, my father always taught me that when things get difficult, don’t complain, just work harder; if things break, don’t throw them away; fix them.

These are difficult moments for our town and our school district. We need to finalize the reorganization, we need to solve the long-term budget issue, we need to develop policies that help with the challenges being presented by new technologies like phones, Chromebook, and Artificial Intelligence.  I’m running because my skills as aerospace engineer, my experience tutoring high school students, and the values instilled by my parents, would be a great addition to the School Committee. I’m running because I know how to work hard to fix difficult issues without throwing in the towel, to not complain but rather work with the rest of the team to find solutions.

While making the most of every crumb on the table, my mother raised 5 teenagers on her own.  Each of us went on to attend college and earn Master’s degrees. Her face of happiness, and in some way relief, in each of our graduations is difficult to describe. Why am I running for School Committee?... Because in these difficult times, I sincerely believe that I can help the kids, the families, the teachers, and our town to achieve their dreams.

Sincerely,
Diego Represa
www.DiegoforAB.com

As we get ready to choose the leadership that will shape our town, I'm proud to support Alissa Nicol for the Select Board.

What stands out the most about Alissa is the balance she brings, passion paired with knowledge, and strength grounded in kindness. In a time when disagreement can quickly turn into division, she consistently approaches conflict with respect, patience, and willingness to listen. She leads with facts, thoughtful research, and clear communication, not just opinion.

Alissa takes time to explain complex issues in a way that people can understand, and her openness to different perspectives makes her someone who brings people together. Through her volunteer work and community involvement, she has shown time and again that she genuinely cares about making this town stronger and a better place to live.

Acton needs leaders who are thoughtful, informed, and committed to the well-being of the whole community. Alissa Nicol is that leader, and I encourage my fellow residents to support her. Learn more: https://www.alissaforacton.org/

Cristina Morales
Note: Cristina is a member of the Acton Exchange Letters Committee writing on her own behalf.

As the School Committee has finalized significant AB Forward votes and election season has begun, I’ve been reflecting on my journey as a member, this year’s Chairperson, and a candidate for reelection. These thoughts represent my own perspective and experience.

In the military, I learned to value solving complex problems with a diverse team under pressure. As Chair, I was confident in my School Committee teammates’ commitment and skills. What I didn’t expect this year was that my "team" would expand to include the entire community. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, especially when you were worried about your children's futures.

Early on, I introduced Tim Shriver’s Dignity Index, the idea that language rooted in dignity can overcome division. I viewed this as a way to share thoughts without putting down others’ values or experiences. Our community not only responded but took this a step further by seeking out different perspectives and really listening to each other. At the Committee’s public forum in January, I was stunned to see participants move beyond their own immediate interests to recognize the impact of decisions on others.

This community engagement truly changed the way I thought about our path forward. You can hear more in my remarks at the Democratic Town Committee’s candidate forum.

We are one community. We are balancing the pull of the status quo with the need to build something that serves every student within our shared resources. People who didn’t get the outcome they hoped for have shared that they support our decisions. And, people experiencing less change have committed to supporting those experiencing more. This makes me confident our teamwork will continue, that we can give each other a little grace for the difficult moments, and that we are united in working for the best for our children and the educators who serve them so well.

I am incredibly proud of how our community chose to engage. We have shown our children that we can disagree with dignity and solve hard problems together. Thank you for your partnership and for the teamwork you have shown throughout this challenging year.

Victoria (Tori) Campbell

With the upcoming election, many voters are hoping to learn more about the candidates. I am offering an “insider’s” perspective.

Tori is currently serving as chair of the school committee, and, as an incumbent, I think she has the benefit of most people having witnessed the way she runs meetings–keeping everyone efficient, effective, and held to high standards. Given the frequently-referenced abundance of emails, there is a good chance many know she has chosen to take it upon herself to reply to every single one. I can tell you, this was not the expectation–or the norm, prior to her leadership. No matter how many hundreds of emails we received and, despite people asking us “why” as late as January, Tori never lost patience and made sure everyone emailing knew where to get information and helped get them up-to-speed. At several points, she (a couple times accompanied by superintendent Peter Light) personally spoke with and met with worried parents. To her, everyone mattered.

I have watched her agonize over the fact that no matter how much decisions were explained, people would have this perception that no one was listening; but, as people often forget, being listened to and getting what they want are two totally different things. Despite the difficulty of what was sometimes being asked, Tori genuinely strived to integrate received feedback into everything she did. 

When she wasn’t thinking about how to help parents and support students, Tori worked hard to show team members they were valued and supported throughout this emotionally arduous process. No matter how busy she was, she has consistently made herself available to be there for her fellow school committee members. No matter what, she was always thinking about her team. 

Lastly, of all the people one would typically expect school committee members to be thinking of, Tori has always expressed genuine care for community members on fixed budgets. The reason reorganization was necessary is because the school district HAD to do something drastic in order to be operating more sustainably–and to set itself up for more painful years ahead.

Lisa Adil (writing on my own behalf and not the school committee)

We have known John for over 15 years and have seen his deep commitment to our community. Through his leadership and service as a member of the Acton Boxborough School Committee, along with his involvement in AB PIP STEM (Acton Boxborough Performance Improvement Plan Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, now AB STEAM (Acton Boxborough Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), he has worked tirelessly to support students, families, educators, and staff. His dedication to public service and community engagement is widely respected.

John brings strong qualifications to this role. He holds a PhD in Chemistry and has extensive experience in science and business, including leadership roles in Boston-area biotech companies. In addition, his service on the Acton Water District Finance Committee has given him valuable insight into the financial oversight and long-term planning needed to manage our water system responsibly.

As Water Commissioner, John will prioritize fair and transparent water rates, support a comprehensive rate study, and advocate for the responsible use of PFAS settlement funds to help manage costs. He will work to complete a long-term master plan and guide a responsible five-year budget. He is also committed to promoting water conservation and sustainable practices.

John believes in strong financial stewardship, including clear reserve policies and a consistent, transparent budgeting process. He also brings the technical expertise needed to help ensure safe, reliable, and high-quality drinking water while protecting Acton’s groundwater resources.

Equally important, John is passionate about community outreach and education, helping residents better understand and value this essential resource.

We believe John Petersen would be an outstanding Water Commissioner and strongly support his candidacy.

Please join us in supporting John Petersen in the Acton Town Election on Tuesday, April 28.

Sincerely,
Gary Kappel
Karen (KJ) Herther

Voter Information for Town Election and Annual Town Meeting Available NOW

On April 28, Acton Voters will choose two Select Board Members, three School Committee Members and a Water District Commissioner in contested races.  In addition, voters will elect the Town Moderator, two Memorial Library Trustees, a member of the Acton Housing Authority, and the Clerk of the Acton Water District.

The League of Women Voters and Acton TV have created a Candidates Forum -- available On Demand at Acton TV www.actontv.org where you can learn about each candidate and their positions on community issues.

Each contested race is highlighted in the 90-minute program. Candidates introduce themselves and answer a series of timed questions posed by a moderator, wrapping up with a lightening round of yes /no questions followed by closing remarks.

Polls are open on Election Day from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. Voters who are unable to go to the polls may vote absentee and should contact the Acton Town Clerk’s office for specific information.

Also on Tuesday, April 28 from 5:00 to 6:30, the League of Women Voters will host a Drop-in Warrant information session at the Acton Memorial Library to help voters prepare for the Annual Town Meeting which begins on Monday May 4.  Town staff will be available to answer questions on various articles that will appear on the Town Meeting Warrant including Deputy Town Manager Thomas Begin, DPW Director Corey York, Town Planner Kaila Sauer, and Municipal Properties Manager Dan Ouelette

To check your voter registration prior to the Election, go to the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s site. For additional updates, see the League of Women Voters website at https://www.lwv-actonarea.org/.

Alyssa Robinson
Voter Engagement Co-Chair
League of Women Voters Acton Area

Please listen to the candidates for Acton Water Commissioner. I am confident that you will choose John Petersen to serve you. After many years on the Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee  and Acton Water District’s (AWD) Finance Committee, John is ready to serve as a Water Commissioner. I recommend John in the strongest terms possible.

My support is grounded in John's vigorous, fresh, and imaginative approach to the issues that confront us. I saw this when, as a School Committee member, he gave back to the Schools that served his children so well. John's leadership on that board during the Great Recession led to a historic collaboration among the School District's disparate parts to provide a secure financial footing that lasted for 14 years. John's contributions to the negotiated K-12 regionalization were invaluable. It was no accident that John's expertise and sense of fair play were necessary for a durable solution.

Like many Actonians, I am grateful to have clean, healthy water from the tap. I recognize the terrain around the water supply is changing, becoming more complex. Our responses must change, too. Acton needs a water commissioner with financial expertise and a deep understanding of the chemistry below ground to work collaboratively with everyone to make the AWD work for all of us. John is a scientist, a PhD chemist; he's uniquely qualified to meet this challenge. 

As a senior who wants to remain in Acton, I support John's goals of fairly setting usage and fixed fees. We need an annual budgeting process that transparently sets and justifies rates. Fairness requires conducting a rate study to learn how to balance fixed and variable revenue. Fairness requires balancing the District's need to maintain a reserve with the goal of predictable, limited rate increases. Fairness in establishing generational equity requires collaboration to complete the Master Plan and use it as the basis for a five-year budget projection so that projects like water mains are funded over time.

Please vote for John Petersen for Water Commissioner on April 28 at the RJ Grey JHS. https://www.johnspetersen.org/

Terence Lindgren

The Acton Water District (AWD), as an organization and as a community of voters, faces a critical moment. Due to mismatched expectations at the March 18 Annual District Meeting, the proposed FY27 budget failed to pass. This raises uncertainty about our ability to fulfill our goals of supplying the community with water for drinking, public health, public safety, and quality of life.

Voters have the power to approve the expense portion (money to be spent) of the budget at a Special District Meeting on April 22 at 7 p.m. at 693 Massachusetts Avenue. The revenue portion (including amounts users are charged), including water rates and fees, is determined separately by the Board of Commissioners during regular public meetings. Residents concerned about rates are encouraged to attend those sessions.

Since the failed vote on March 18, two critical issues have come to light. A need to accelerate our water meter replacement program and critical improvements to ensure the wells supplying the North Acton treatment plant are yielding adequate water. This is resulting in a $988,000 increase in the proposed budget expenses. Both the Board of Water Commissioners and Finance Committee recommend these expenses. Approving the budget is essential to ensure uninterrupted water service.

We also want to clarify the rationale behind our water rates and fees. At the upcoming Special District Meeting, we will walk through the proposed budget expenditures and explain the rate-setting process and outline opportunities for public engagement on all issues facing your community water system.

Acton’s water system requires ongoing investment to remain safe and reliable. Approving the FY27 budget protects these critical projects and secures the water supply for our community. Your vote is not just procedural; it directly safeguards a vital resource.

We urge all voters to attend the Special District Meeting on April 22 and approve the FY27 budget. Together, we can ensure Acton continues to have safe, reliable water for years to come.

On behalf of the Board of Water Commissioners and District staff,

Matthew Mostoller
District Manager, Water Supply District of Acton