Ayer Council on Aging Votes 4-1 to Back $15.1 Million Senior Center Plan

AYER -- September 9, 2025, Ayer's Council on Aging voted 4-1 to formally endorse the town's $15.1 million proposed senior center and send a letter of support to three municipal committees ahead of key deliberations. The board acted at its September 9 meeting with a Finance Committee session and a Capital Planning Committee session both scheduled within 48 hours, making the timing urgent. The building proposal calls for a 13,000-square-foot facility, a bond ceiling of $10 million, and a cost to the median Ayer household of $143 in the first year of a 25-year descending bond, with the annual figure declining each subsequent year. Director Katie reported the center served 125 unduplicated individuals in August across 723 program visits, with 13 Meals on Wheels clients and 70 van riders not counted in that total. One board member dissented, citing concerns raised by seniors about the cost relative to other capital needs. The board also voted to cancel its November 11 meeting, noting that the November 4 building referendum outcome would likely dominate the December agenda.