Weston Finance Committee reviews police, fire, and recreation budgets ahead of town meeting

WESTON — January 15, 2026 — Weston Finance Committee hears FY27 budgets from police, recreation, and fire departments in a wide-ranging session. Police Chief disclosed that the town had terminated a $45,000 Motorola camera contract after Eversource denied pole access, and is now negotiating a $20,000-per-year deal with Flock Safety for seven solar-powered cameras at town entry points; Finance Committee member Sarath pushed for strong contract language to prevent unauthorized out-of-state data sharing. The chief also sought a new patrol officer to address a vacancy generating an estimated $145,000 in annual overtime, against a base salary of roughly $73,000. Recreation Director Chris Fitzgerald cited lifeguard wage pressure, a $12,000 splash-pad water bill, and a drop in non-resident pool memberships from 124 to 94 families as key cost drivers. Fire Chief reported a 27 percent ambulance revenue increase — projecting an additional $231,296 for FY27 — after a rate adjustment effective November 1, 2025, and warned that the HYM and Regis developments could increase EMS call volume significantly. Town Manager Leon announced the Select Board has reached a consensus to seek roughly $5 million in fire station design funds at Annual Town Meeting, against a total project estimate now reduced to $40 to $50 million from an earlier $65 million figure.