Public Hearing on Weston's Budget Scheduled for Wednesday

Weston voters are invited to take part in two public hearings on the proposed budgets for the schools, town, capital improvements and debt service for the upcoming fiscal year.

On Wednesday, April 3, the Board of Finance will host the first such hearing. It is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. in the Weston Middle School cafeteria. Should it be necessary, another hearing will be held on Thursday, April 4 at the same time and place. 

The budget basics are as follows:

TOWN:

• The Board of Selectmen adopted a $11.69 million town budget, which represents an increase of 3.32 percent over the current budget. The budget can be broken down as follows:
  • General government: $6.06 million
  • Public safety: $2.5 million
  • Public works: $1.78 million
  • Sanitation, health & environment: $327,050
  • Human services: $637,332
  • Parks & recreation: $390,621

SCHOOLS:

• The Weston Board of Education unanimously approved a $46.29 million budget in January, which represents a 1.55 percent increase over the current budget

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS:

• The town and schools seek $1.12 million for capital improvements.

DEBT SERVICE:

• The selectmen approved $6.554 million for debt service, a decrease of $262,268 from the current amount.
  

The town anticipates revenues of $2.87 million, so the net budget request is $62.79 million. The gross budget is $65.65 million. 

Those interested can pick up a detailed copy of the budgets at the town clerk's office. Summaries will be available at the public hearings. 

The annual town budget meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 24 at 8 p.m. in the high school's auditorium. Voting will continue on Thursday, May 2 in the middle school's gym from 12 to 8 p.m.