Weston Finance Committee unanimously backs compromise FY21 budget

WESTON — July 23, 2020 — Weston Finance Committee unanimously endorses pandemic-era compromise budget. Committee members voted 8-0 Thursday to back a fiscal 2021 budget framework worked out bilaterally by member John Sally and Select Board member Harvey that cuts roughly $2.35 million — exactly halfway between the committee's earlier position and the town manager's proposal — and is conditional on Select Board approval Tuesday. The deal halves the OPEB contribution to just over $1 million, sets roads at $1.5 million, funds one new firefighter rather than two with an October start, and provides half-year funding for a new sustainability coordinator with annual review by Town Manager Leon. A newly discovered $75,000 drainage repair at the fire station, an "illicit drain" Leon said had been there "for probably generations," was added late. The school budget was left untouched pending a fall special town meeting; Superintendent John Henry has estimated hybrid reopening costs at $840,000 to $1.5 million.