Weston town manager unveils $97.6 million proposed operating budget

WESTON -- January 25, 2024, Weston town manager pitches $97.6M FY25 operating budget, 4.99% over current year. Town Manager Leon Gaumond told the Finance Committee that with debt service and OPEB included, the all-in increase falls to 3.18 percent, with debt scheduled to drop 6.5 percent. Fixed and unclassified costs rise 6.2 percent, driven by a Middlesex Retirement assessment adding nearly $500,000 and a roughly 7 percent health insurance placeholder. New asks include a $169,000 first-year public tree management plan, a roughly $277,000 state-mandated stormwater phosphorus plan, expanded cybersecurity, more nursing hours, and a police neighborhood camera program. Finance Director Susan reported $7.3 million in certified free cash, $12.2 million in excess levy capacity, and a $4 million stabilization fund, below the three-month operating revenue benchmark Gaumond said "our friends at Moody's would greatly appreciate" seeing addressed.