Holden Board Approves Turkey Trot Permit, Hears Budget Savings Forecast

HOLDEN — June 1, 2026 — Holden Board of Selectmen approves turkey trot permit and hears signs of budget relief ahead of town meeting. The board voted unanimously Monday to reappoint Brian Perry to the Zoning Board of Appeals and to approve a parade permit for the Be Like Brit Foundation's Thanksgiving Day turkey trot on November 26, incorporating fire department resource requirements after Fire Chief designated the event a mass gathering of over 1,000 people. Town Manager Peter Lukes told the board that while voters approved a Proposition 2 and one-half override preserving three police officers, three firefighter EMTs, and three public works positions, Holden will not tax up to the authorized $5.5 million maximum — in part because two towns' rejection of the Wachusett Regional School District budget has reduced Holden's assessment. Lukes also cited early-stage health insurance reforms and the possibility of increased state local aid as additional factors that could push the actual levy "fairly significantly" below the ceiling. Annual Town Meeting is set for June 8 at 7 p.m. at Holden High School, with a handbook posted two weeks in advance — described by Lukes as a record.