Wayland board hears FY28 budget forecast, defers override

In this report: Key decisions · Next dates · Full report · Sources

What happened

The Select Board heard a FY28 budget forecast showing the town can raise at most $120.2 million, and staff now believe the budget can be balanced without an override if the town and schools absorb cuts of a half million to three quarters of a million dollars. The board took no vote on an override and deferred PFAS settlement spending until an updated water rate model arrives. It approved the $14,945,000 bond sale and the 2027 Town Meeting calendar, setting Town Meeting for May 10, 2027.

Key decisions

• 💰 FY28 budget forecast and possible override timing. No vote was taken on an override. Staff believe FY28 can be balanced without one, with possible cuts of a half million to three quarters of a million dollars across town and school budgets. A 12-month informational campaign was proposed. (Vote no vote; Next: March 30). Read case details
• 💰 Disbursement of PFAS settlement funds. No vote was taken. The board agreed to wait for an updated rate model from the Abrams Group before deciding how to use the funds. (Vote no vote). Read case details
• 📝 Approve sale of general obligation bonds. The board approved the sale of $14,945,000 in general obligation bonds to PNC Capital Markets LLC at $15,092,320.72, with a 3.96 percent true interest cost. (Vote 5-0; Next: Nov. 10). Read case details
• ● Approve 2027 Annual Town Meeting calendar. The board approved the 2027 schedule, with the Town Election on May 4, 2027 and Town Meeting beginning May 10, 2027. (Vote 5-0; Next: May 10). Read case details
• 👤 Appoint two to Broadband and Cable Advisory Committee. Suchi Gopal and Javier Betancourt were appointed, with terms ending at project completion. (Vote unanimous). Read case details
• 📋 Eversource grant of location, Cochituate Road. The hearing was continued. Members asked for a plan showing the underground work in the public right of way, and a continuation date will be set once revised paperwork is filed. Read case details
• 📜 Revise outdoor food and alcohol service policy. The board approved revisions adding a signage requirement raised by the police chief. (Vote 5-0). Read case details
• 📜 Modify social media policy. The board approved new language giving the Town Manager the option to authorize social media language where appropriate. (Vote 5-0). Read case details
• 👤 Appoint Ans Ishfaq as associate constable. Ishfaq was appointed associate constable with a term ending June 30, 2029, subject to Police Department and POST Commission requirements and a successful background check. (Vote unanimous). Read case details
• ● Enter executive session on litigation and bargaining. The board voted to enter executive session to discuss Gibbons litigation, DPW collective bargaining, opioid litigation and executive session minutes. (Vote 5-0). Read case details

Next dates

• Nov. 10: Bond proceeds delivered
• Dec. 7: Town Meeting warrant opens, 8:30 a.m.
• Jan. 15: Deadline for warrant article submission, 4:30 p.m.
• March 30: Deadline for Select Board ballot question to Town Clerk
• May 4: Annual Town Election
• May 10: Annual Town Meeting begins

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Full meeting report

The complete, section-by-section account of the meeting, 5,244 words, for members.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.