Finance Committee splits 4-4 on JST design funds, takes no position on most CPA articles

WESTON — March 29, 2018 — Weston Finance Committee deadlocks on JST design funds, takes no position on most CPA articles. The committee split 4-4 on a $200,000 additional design appropriation for the 1757 Josiah Smith Tavern, whose construction cost is now estimated at $9 to $11 million — up from a $4.5 million working-group figure — on top of $630,000 in design funds approved in November 2017. Town Administrator Donna VanderClock said the project "is likely to be more like the 10 to 11 million range" given contingencies inherent in renovating a historic building. Members unanimously backed Article 15, a $260,000 free-cash appropriation for design of a Route 20/Balzer Street traffic signal that positions Weston for an estimated $1.2 million state reimbursement. The committee took no position on Articles 23 through 27, including a $700,000 Merriam Street sidewalk. Members also debated keeping a draft annual-report line noting Weston's per-pupil costs are higher than comparable districts while test scores "are not better," over staff concerns it could undermine collaboration with the School Committee.