Weston Finance Committee backs $2.3 million pool renovation, rejects pickleball design funds

WESTON -- March 17, 2022, Weston Finance Committee backs $2.3 million pool renovation but sends pickleball design money back to preservation process. The committee voted 6-1 Thursday to support a Community Preservation Act borrowing article for Memorial Pool rehabilitation, covering new filtration systems, water features, a water slide, shade structures, and ADA upgrades. Recreation Commission member Maya presented revenue modeling showing pool membership had been declining roughly 15 percent annually before COVID and warned the department could fall below its required 70 percent self-funding floor without the investment. The committee voted unanimously to oppose a separate $85,000 warrant article for pickleball court design fees, with member Barath arguing the request was clearly CPC-eligible and should go to the fall 2022 special town meeting rather than draw on free cash. The committee also voted unanimously to take no position on a citizen petition to expand the Select Board from three to five members, agreeing more analysis was needed before weighing in.