Overview: In its latest meeting, the Ayer-Shirley Regional School Committee delved into discussions surrounding property assessments and budgetary constraints. The committee reviewed a report on local property assessments, noting a 4% increase in the town’s taxable valuation compared to the previous fiscal year. Additionally, challenges related to the fiscal year 2022 budget, influenced by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, were addressed, with emphasis on the need for specialized valuation approaches for utility properties.