Finance Committee briefed on $2 million pool renovation as CPC approves design fees

WESTON — November 5, 2020 — Weston Finance Committee weighs $2 million pool plan as state aid is projected to fall 25 percent. Member Bharath Venkataraman reported that the Community Preservation Committee unanimously approved $250,000 in design fees for a Weston Memorial Pool renovation estimated at $1.9 million to $2.2 million, with filter replacement alone running $500,000 to $750,000. Members John Sallay and James pressed the Recreation Commission for attendance, badge revenue and payback data before the project returns; the town sells about 3,000 recreation badges annually, roughly 2,500 with pool access. Town Manager Leon Gaumond told the committee he is planning the fiscal 2022 budget around a 25 percent cut in state local aid and Chapter 70 school aid, on top of softer excise and other receipts. The committee split sharply over whether to publish another Town Crier article, with member John McDonald arguing the 2020 spring articles were the only reason "they actually looked at" the budget and member Karen opposing more public pieces "in this environment of COVID." The Financial Summit is set for 8:30 a.m. Nov. 23.