What’s Going On: Why Cuts Are on the Table

When the city pays staff salaries, utility upkeep, public safety, park maintenace, and other essential work, those costs live in what’s called the General Fund. Lately, Ashland is finding that tax revenue coming in isn’t keeping up with the cost of all those services. 

That means choices have to be made — some services may be trimmed, fees might go up, or programs could be scaled back. For example, the Parks Department recommended cuts to restrooms, senior center hours, and pool operations. Residents have already seen a new monthly parks fee to supposedly avoid deep cuts, which still occurred after the fee began in July 2025. In short: what Ashland used to provide freely or reliably might not be sustainable without shifts in how we fund it or how city departments operate.

What You Can Do and What to Ask of City Leaders

Actions Every Resident Can Take

• Show up at budget meetings
  Your presence sends a signal. Attend public forums, city council sessions, and committee hearings. Tell your story: what services you depend on, what you’d miss if they were cut.
  
  

• Use your voice via surveys / comments
  When the city issues budget surveys (like it already has) or public comment periods, participate. Don’t skip those – even a short message can move minds.
  
  

• Organize with neighbors
  Talk to your block, neighborhood, or civic group about what matters most. Create priority lists so when you speak with officials, you’re not alone — you represent your neighborhood and community needs.
  
  

• Demand clarity and transparency
  Ask that the city publish easy-to-read breakdowns: which services get funding, which are subsidized, and which proposed cuts save how much money. Ask for visual charts and summaries.
  
  
  

What to Ask from City Administration

• A clear, community-written priority list
  City leaders should share a prioritized list of services (example: public safety, walkability, affordable utilities) so residents know what might go first if cuts are needed.
  
  

• Advance notice & staged changes
  Don’t surprise the public. If a program might be cut or hours reduced, give notice months ahead so people can provide input.
  
  

• Impact assessments
  For every proposed cut, ask: who is impacted — seniors, families, people without cars? Demand equity reviews so that cuts don’t disproportionately harm vulnerable groups.
  
  

• Alternatives to service cuts
  Request they explore fee changes, cost recoveries, partnerships with nonprofits, or grants before eliminating core services.
  
  

• Regular financial reporting
  The city should issue brief, regular “status check” updates showing the trend in actual revenue vs expenses — so the public can see financial standing in real time.
  
  

Why It Matters

If nothing changes, cuts will erode the quality of life in Ashland: fewer park hours, less street repair, fewer recreation programs, and limits on essential services. By showing up, speaking clearly, and demanding accountability, residents can shape which parts of our community are protected — rather than being left out of those decisions.

Your voice matters. And when many voices rise together, city leaders won’t ignore the cost of inaction.