Conservation Board Rejects CPA Surcharge Cut

Conservation · Meeting of September 23, 2026

Westford's Conservation Commission opposed a CPA surcharge cut and recommended a new commissioner. The board voted unanimously against a citizens' petition to lower the Community Preservation Act surcharge from 3 percent to 2 percent, with member Noel saying the move would cost the town roughly $190,000 a year in state matching funds and cut total CPA revenue by more than $1 million annually, while trimming the average $750,000 homeowner's tax bill by about $85.22. In a separate 5-1 vote, with member Jim dissenting over the term length attached, the commission asked the Select Board to appoint King's Pine Road resident June McMurdo, who said the role would let her take "a more active role in safeguarding" conservation land, to the seat vacated by Marilyn Franks.

The commission also continued hearings on a Durkee Lane subdivision, a Weber Road teardown near Forge Pond, and a Dunstable Road wetland delineation dispute to October 14.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,847 words

Source: the Conservation meeting of September 23, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.