Select Board approves Richardson Road forest deal

Select Board · Meeting of July 29, 2026

ASHBY — The Ashby Select Board voted unanimously to authorize a no-cost conservation restriction on forest land at 1300 Richardson Road under the federal Forest Legacy Program. The board also heard its annual outside audit, with the town's auditor, identified only as Tony, reporting a $1.3 million unassigned fund balance, 13 to 14 percent of expenses, and just two remaining findings after years of "a full page" of issues. Members approved payroll and vendor warrants totaling more than $1.6 million, including a payment to the North Middlesex Regional School District, accepted the resignation of Officer Thorburn effective July 30, and appointed Elizabeth Wood as Clean Energy Permitting Administrator and Paul Linek to the Historical Commission.

Town Administrator Mary Doherty reported only 67 of an expected 100-plus transfer station permits sold so far this cycle. Board members also discussed an unfunded police sergeant position "due to the deficit" and the fire department's promotional process following Deputy Chief Ryan Roy's death, agreeing to revisit staffing August 12.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,734 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of July 29, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.