Pepperell Select Board ratifies three-year police contract, resolves composting dispute

Select Board · Meeting of July 30, 2026

Pepperell Select Board ratifies three-year police contract and reaches composting injunction at July 30 meeting. Town Administrator Andrew reported that a preliminary injunction agreement was reached the morning of July 30 with the owners of 57 Nashville Road, giving the operator 60 days to remove unpermitted composting material or face retroactive daily fines; the town retains drone documentation and access through a sewer easement. The board unanimously ratified the fiscal year 2027 through 2029 police patrol contracts, which include a 2 percent annual range increase, a 3 percent step in year two, and a stipend increase from $400 to $500 — the first stipend adjustment "this century," according to the administrator.

Andrew also briefed the board on a fiscal year 2027 deficit now exceeding $380,000, up from a $240,000 estimate at spring town meeting, with a balanced budget required by November 7. The board approved the town's first-ever fortune teller license, setting the annual fee at $25, and adopted a recognition of events policy on a 2-1 vote requiring unanimous board approval for any formal town recognition of an event.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,280 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of July 30, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.