Weston Select Board sets May warrant with $3.1 million fire station appropriation

WESTON — March 26, 2026 — Weston Select Board previews May annual town meeting warrant headlined by a $3.1 million fire station article. Town Manager Leon Gaumond, presenting in the March 26 Select Board Rewind episode, said the proposed operating budget — unanimously backed by both the Select Board and the Finance Committee — carries a net taxpayer increase of roughly 2.5 percent after accounting for declining debt service, with school costs rising 3.95 percent, town-side spending up 3.2 percent, and fixed charges including health insurance and pensions climbing 6.8 percent. A separate free cash appropriation of approximately $2.5 million would fund a fire engine pumper replacement, drainage and culvert work, facility trucks, an electric vehicle for the land use department, and a temporary parking lot at Indian Hill. Additional warrant articles would direct funds to the Affordable Housing Trust for home repair grants, adjust Finance Committee vacancy rules, address Community Preservation Committee priorities, and act on a citizen's petition seeking an all-pouring liquor license for Heirloom restaurant.