Weston Finance Committee Approves Report Subgroup, Tables Cemetery Restriction Vote

WESTON -- March 24, 2025, Weston's Finance Committee unanimously authorized three members to finalize its annual report amid debate over how to address federal funding risks. Chair Bharath Venkataraman, along with members Rebecca Kantar and Lisa, were designated to incorporate member feedback and submit the report to staff by Friday for inclusion in the Town Meeting warrant book. The committee also tabled a vote on a warrant article that would place a perpetual historic preservation restriction on Central Cemetery as a condition of a $100,000 Mass Historic grant application, after members including Zachary Sadek questioned whether the restriction could obligate the town to historically accurate and costly repairs in perpetuity. Finance Director Leon told the committee Weston is "one of the last communities in the Commonwealth" likely to feel severe impacts from federal aid cuts, but suggested the town maintain a living webpage tracking endangered grants. Member Sarat Pothuri reported that cost estimates for four middle school-high school renovation or construction scenarios are expected by mid-May, with a borrowing request potentially coming to Town Meeting in 2026 or 2027 and projected construction completion in 2031.