Weston Finance Committee approves $388,200 in end-of-year reserve fund transfers

WESTON -- July 13, 2023, Weston Finance Committee unanimously approves $388,200 in reserve fund transfers to close out fiscal year 2023. The three-item package, presented by Town Manager Leon Gaumond, covers a $199,200 snow and ice deficit, a just-over-$100,000 legal shortfall driven largely by 40B litigation, and a facilities maintenance deficit split between the Josiah Smith Tavern ($60,264) and Town Hall ($30,000). Member George pressed Gaumond on the Josiah Smith Tavern's total annual burden, noting that combined debt service of roughly $560,000 and operating costs puts the town above $600,000 per year for a building still without a restaurant tenant. Gaumond said he is "cautiously optimistic" a restaurant will be in place within a year, with one of three planned nonprofit tenants, Weston Forest and Trails, already moved in. The committee also elected a new chair by unanimous voice vote and discussed plans for a joint "summit" with the Community Preservation Committee to repair strained relations following the May 2023 Town Meeting.