Weston Select Board takes hours of FY21 budget testimony in two-session hearing

WESTON — May 7, 2020 — Weston board hears three hours of FY21 budget testimony but makes no decisions. Select Board Chair Christopher Houston scheduled back-to-back 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. sessions May 7 to broaden public input on the proposed fiscal 2021 operating budget, with Finance Committee-aligned residents urging restraint and others defending pre-pandemic spending plans. Frank Kane, citing an open letter signed by more than 100 residents, pressed Fincom's case for $2.1 million to $4.1 million in reductions that would not affect headcount or contractual compensation. Member Harvey Boshart countered that using median rather than average home values, Weston's tax bill runs "only 17 percent higher" than Wellesley's — "roughly half the stated difference" Fincom had cited. Resident Ken Newburg defended OPEB funding, noting the trust is only about 29 percent funded with roughly $70 million still needed. Several residents endorsed a proposed sustainability coordinator position; the Rev. Jeff Barz-Snell said an equivalent position saved Salem "over a million dollars" in four to five years. Town Manager Leon Gaumond asked department heads for cost-cut proposals due the following Wednesday.