After the public comment (see here), Finance Director Brian Keveny provided an update on development of the FY27 budget at the Jan. 5 Select Board meeting. He noted that the town’s certified new growth came in at approximately $900,000, more than double the $400,000 previously assumed. Keveny said the increase will flow directly into unused levy capacity but cautioned that several major variables remain unresolved, including collective bargaining agreements, health insurance rates, and the final school budget.
Keveny said the FY27 school budget is expected within two weeks and that state aid figures will be released later in January.
Draft projections currently assume a 5.5% increase in school spending and a 12% placeholder for health insurance, which Keveny described as conservative based on historical trends.
Health insurance increases in recent years have averaged 4-7%, with mitigation provided through withdrawals from West Suburban Health Group fund balances.
Keveny also outlined complications related to unsettled labor contracts, particularly the fire contract covering FY24 through FY26. Approximately $526,000 was reserved in the FY26 budget for that contract. If the agreement is not settled before Annual Town Meeting, Keveny recommended transferring the funds to the General Stabilization Fund and later re-appropriating them once the contract is finalized to avoid taxing residents twice for the same obligation.
Town Meeting warrant articles
The board voted unanimously to submit and insert six warrant articles for the 2026 Annual Town Meeting – acceptance of a state statute allowing the treasurer-collector to abate unpaid tax balances under $25; adoption of a statute permitting the town to explain ballot questions using plain-language “yes” and “no” descriptions; authorization to publish legal notices digitally rather than in print newspapers; a ban on cryptocurrency ATMs; and two stabilization fund transfers related to unsettled labor contracts.
Keveny noted that an additional warrant article may be required if contracts settle shortly before Town Meeting to allow flexible funding adjustments.
Other business
The board reviewed progress on its FY26 objectives, including streamlining the Annual Town Meeting warrant, advancing affordable housing planning at 212 Cochituate Road, establishing the Capital Improvement Planning Committee, and adopting several governance policies, including financial management and civil interaction standards.
Assistant Town Manager Kelsi Power-Spirlet also reported damage to Fire Station 2 caused when a fire apparatus struck a structural element while backing out on a call. Emergency stabilization work is underway, with permanent repairs to follow through emergency procurement.
The board voted unanimously to appoint Greg Lusky as a voting member of the Permanent Municipal Building Committee for a term ending June 30, 2028. Lusky, who has served in advisory roles on the Council on Aging building project, the library project, and the Wayland Community Pool renovation, said he brings more than two decades of construction and development experience.
The board also appointed Larry Kiernan in absentia to the Surface Water Quality Committee for a term ending June 30, 2027. Kiernan spearheaded the rail trail project and currently serves on the Planning Board until April 2026.
