Weston Finance Committee postpones budget walkthrough, debates process

WESTON — January 28, 2021 — Weston Finance Committee turns cancelled budget walkthrough into structural critique of process. After Town Manager Leon Gaumond missed his fiscal 2022 presentation for a family emergency, the committee spent nearly two hours debating why spending is up roughly 3 percent while continuing-taxpayer bills climb closer to 5.8 percent. Member John McDonald said taxpayers receive "tons and tons of data and zero information" and warned the proposal "is not saleable." Members flagged the $200,000 gap between Gaumond's $1.8 million road line and the Select Board's $2 million request, and noted schools will cut three FTEs at the high school and 1.5 at the middle school while seeking to keep five COVID-era permanent building substitutes. State Chapter 70 aid rises 1.47 percent, about $58,000. The committee approved minutes 9-0 and began scheduling department interviews ahead of a proposed May 15 outdoor town meeting.