Weston FinCom rejects unchanged town budget, drafts direct mailing to residents

WESTON — June 25, 2020 — Weston Finance Committee balks at unchanged budget, plans direct mailing. The committee voted June 25 to draft a mailing to households explaining why it will not support the operating budget the Select Board is poised to bring to a September town meeting, citing a proposed increase of 7.9 percent after roughly $820,000 in COVID-driven deferrals presented by Town Manager Leon. Chair Lisa said the Select Board treats the crisis as "business as usual"; member John Sally said the committee's published recommendation already lays out a $52.8 million non-school path within $100,000 of level funding. Member Bharath said Select Board member Chris Houston had pressed for a single target cut figure: "We've written it out." The Recreation Commission separately decided not to open the town pool, citing a $125,000 opening loss versus $40,000 closed. Members also deferred the annual chair election to September.