Weston Finance Committee unanimously backs $1 million water tank design article

WESTON -- April 27, 2023, Weston Finance Committee votes 9-0 to back $1 million water tank design article at town meeting. The committee unanimously supported a warrant motion, refined by town staff and counsel after three public forums, appropriating up to $1 million from certified free cash for design, siting, engineering, and permitting of three aging water storage tanks whose combined age totals roughly 240 years. Consultant Wright Pierce has estimated the full scope of services at between $1.2 million and $1.5 million, but the article caps spending at $1 million, with any unspent funds returning to free cash. Member Karen flagged the absence of a phase-by-phase cost breakdown, and town staff committed to obtaining one from Wright Pierce before town meeting on May 8. Member John Sally warned the committee that a future construction ask could reach $35 million or more, and that how costs are split between property taxpayers and water ratepayers remains unresolved.