$2 million tax override fails in Ashland

ASHLAND

Residents overwhelmingly defeated a $2 million property tax override on Tuesday, 2,642 to 948.

It was another defeat for proposed tax increases in this town which has not passed an override since the Proposition 2 1/2 cap took effect in 1982.

The failed override, mostly earmarked for schools, would have added $342 to the average residential property tax bill. Instead, officials said, the schools will face budget cuts and probably hike athletic and busing fees.

Voters also returned incumbent Selectman Adam Shuster to his seat and elected and Board of Health member Art Shapiro to the board, defeating political newcomer Bill Bosworth, according to unofficial results.

In the race for two seats on the School Committee, the winners were Mark Juitt and Kathleen Bach, defeating Deborah Weakley and Denise Montoya.

-- Kyle Alspach