Weston Board of Selectmen
Coverage (5 articles)
Weston's three-school option: $115 million, and what it leaves out
An update of a 2019 estimate puts the cost of consolidating Weston's schools into three buildings at just over $115 million, against $120 million to $130 million for a new middle school. The consultant who prepared it said the $115 million leaves out demolishing the middle school and replacing the senior center.
Weston budget transfers stall; litigation costs ran past budget
Weston's year-end budget transfers failed for lack of a second on October 1, after Selectwoman Lauren Traum objected to how some of the money was spent. The budget shows $337,315 spent on litigation, against $150,000 originally budgeted and $295,000 after a mid-year increase. The selectmen also appointed a public works director and set an October 15 town meeting.
Backers want to rebuild Weston's old post office as a coffee shop
Backers want to take apart Weston's circa-1790 post office and general store, rebuild it at the Weston History & Culture Center and have an independent operator run it as a coffee shop and gift shop. They are asking the town for the building and to consider paying about $50,000 to dismantle it. Any transfer would need a town meeting vote, the first selectwoman said.
Weston's middle school plan points to a November 2027 vote, with Hartford first
Weston's three boards are working toward a referendum on a new middle school on November 2, 2027. The draft plan asks the state legislature for a better reimbursement rate first, and the school board chair wants the town to hire help to get it. No board voted on the plan or the schedule at the September 24 meeting.
Most of Weston's projected tax increase isn't the new school
A new Board of Finance projection has the tax bill on Weston's median home rising about $8,000 over ten years with a new middle school. About a fifth of that comes from the school, other capital projects and new borrowing. The rest comes from the model's assumption that budgets keep growing.