Weston Select Board advances cell tower siting plan, reviews flat FY27 budget

WESTON -- February 24, 2026, Weston Select Board reviews a 4.9 percent FY27 budget increase and a six-site cell tower siting plan aimed at closing wireless dead zones. Town Manager Leon presented a preliminary fiscal year 2027 operating budget Tuesday showing an 8.8 percent jump in the unclassified section, roughly $2.1 million, driven largely by a projected 10 percent health insurance increase that will not be confirmed until March 5. The budget includes a proposed new police officer, with about $100,000 in overtime savings assumed to offset the cost; Police Chief Dennis Linehan told the board that younger officers no longer seek overtime the way prior generations did. Wireless consultant Chris Hesse presented a six-site cell tower plan, five of them on town-controlled land, which board member Tom Palmer said he hopes to bring to a fall special town meeting; Hesse estimated towers could be operational in two to three years. Weston Media Center executive director Nathan Schor reported a projected $41,000 funding gap for the coming year even with $36,000 in alternative revenue, as cable franchise fees are expected to drop from $209,000 in FY26 to $193,000 by FY28. Member Tom Palmer also announced he will not seek re-election at the March 9 town caucus.