Community Preservation Committee - September 15th, 2026 | Westford, MA

The Westford Community Preservation Committee (CPC) held a meeting on September 15, 2026, primarily focused on financial updates and policy discussions related to the Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. The committee reviewed the FY26 financials, noting a starting balance of $4.9 million and closeouts that increased available funds to $5.2 million. They discussed obligations including administration costs, debt service, and the 10% allocation requirements for affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space. The committee also addressed the upcoming FY27 budget and state matching funds, which were approximately 16.5% for the year. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a citizen petition to reduce the CPA surcharge from 3% to 2%. The committee unanimously voted to oppose this reduction, citing potential losses of approximately $1.2 million annually in town contributions and $750,000 in state matching funds over 15 years, which would impact their ability to fund projects and meet debt obligations. They emphasized the importance of clear communication to the public about the financial implications and benefits of maintaining the 3% surcharge. Additionally, the committee approved payment of CPA dues and elected Jamie as vice chair. The meeting concluded with scheduling plans for the upcoming application cycle and town meeting presentations.