Weston Finance Committee backs FY23 budget 5-3, rejects $60,000 study

WESTON — March 24, 2022 — Weston Finance Committee votes 5-3 to support the town's FY23 budget and unanimously opposes a $60,000 government study warrant article. The committee, meeting March 24 via online platform, approved the operating budget over objections from members John McDonald, John Sally, and James, who argued Weston's spending consistently outpaces comparable affluent towns and that the school budget has risen from $56 million in FY19 to $64 million in FY23. McDonald said the budget "makes no attempt to reign in our overspending." The panel voted unanimously to oppose the Select Board-sponsored article that would have hired an outside consultant to review Weston's form of government, with members favoring a volunteer community committee instead. The committee also unanimously backed a $4.6 million water tank replacement, with Finance Director Susan projecting first-year debt service of roughly $291,000 at a 3 percent borrowing rate over 30 years, and Town Manager Leon noting ARPA funds could reduce the borrowing load.