Ayer Select Board Sends Sign Bylaw to Planning Board, Defers Microgrid Decision

AYER -- March 3, 2026, Ayer Select Board defers microgrid decision, cuts capital spending 54 percent for FY27. The board Tuesday heard a pitch from NextGen Energy representatives Gina Ash, CEO Kimberly Johnston, and financial lead Ricardo Ortoco for a five-town solar-plus-storage microgrid consortium that could generate an estimated $1.5 million annually per town beginning in year six of a 20-year arrangement, with a non-binding MOU and a $75,000-per-town feasibility study as the next steps; the board took no vote, instead directing that town counsel review the MOU before a March 17 return. Town Manager Robert presented a fiscal year 2027 capital plan of $646,161 in general fund spending, down from $1.6 million last year, with a projected first-year residential tax impact of $11.43 from a $361,661 general fund borrowing; the total capital plan across all funds dropped from over $7 million to $3.4 million, a 54 percent reduction. The board voted unanimously to forward a window-sign bylaw amendment to the Planning Board after Building Commissioner Mike Wallace and Economic Development Director Rafe Freylander described two downtown businesses, Revival Cuts and Secret Grotto Salon, being forced to remove exterior vinyl graphics under the current overly restrictive rule. The Ayer-Shirley Regional School District assessment, last reported at over $1.8 million and an 11.9 percent increase, remains the largest unresolved budget driver ahead of the April 27 Town Meeting.