Auburn Select Board Reorganizes, Approves $85,489 School Transfer at May 26 Meeting

AUBURN -- May 26, 2026, Auburn Select Board reorganizes after May election, approves $85,489 special education contingency transfer and a stack of summer event licenses. Chair Anne M. Cavanaugh was returned to the gavel unanimously, while Vice Chair Todd M. Kirrane edged Member Steve Chambers 3-1 in a contested officer vote after Chambers self-nominated. School Superintendent Dr. Beth Chamberland secured a 4-0 vote on a precautionary $85,489.28 draw from the Special Education Stabilization Fund, tied to an unresolved DESE residency appeal that could make Auburn financially responsible for a student's placement before the fiscal year closes; Chamberland said the funds would be returned if the appeal again goes in Auburn's favor. Solid Waste Coordinator Colleen Hynes won approval to replace the town's 2012 Buy Recycled Policy with an updated Sustainable Purchasing Policy required for continued MassDEP grant eligibility, noting Auburn has collected nearly $130,000 in such grants since 2014. The board also approved an outdoor entertainment license and multiple one-day beer and wine licenses for Sheldon's Harley-Davidson's BikeFest on June 6 and five "Throttle Thursdays" events through October, with Kirrane securing a police detail requirement for overflow parking across Route 20 during BikeFest, and set a Special Town Meeting for October 27, 2026, with the warrant opening June 15 and closing August 12.