IN THIS ISSUE

1 - FY 22 Budget Prep: it's like we were just doing this...

2 - Caucus, Town Election and Town Meeting: they'll look different, but save the dates

3 - COVID-19 Information: an info phone line and website with the current testing and vaccine status

4 - Climate Action Toolkit for Homeowners: little changes can make big differences

5 - DPU Public Hearing on Weston Power Choice: comments may be submitted in advance of the online hearing

BONUS NEWS
What's up with Memorial Pool? Find out next week.

Take the final Weston Ahead survey to help us finish up Weston's Climate Action and Resilience Plan.

Please consider sharing this newsletter! An informed community is a close community.

Your Top 5 in Town News

An easy to digest digest of Town News served monthly.

1 - FY22 Budget Prep Underway

Every year, planning and preparation of the fiscal year operating budget begins with the Financial Summit, which includes the Select Board, the School Committee, the Finance Committee and senior management. The FY22 meeting was held on December 8th and was recorded by Weston media Center. Since then:

The Weston Public Schools recommended budget was presented on January 11th, with follow-up discussions on January 25th and January 28th
The Town Manager's recommended operating budget was presented on January 26th
All budget planning documents can be found at Westonma.gov/Budget
The Finance Committee's budget review started January 28th and will continue through March
All meetings of the Select Board, School Committee and Finance Committee are online and open to the public.
Subscribe to receive text/email notifications when these public bodies post their meeting agendas at Westonma.gov/StayInformed (don't forget to confirm the subscription! - instructions posted at the top of the web page)

2 - Town Caucus, Town Election & Annual Town Meeting

Every year, the Town holds a Caucus election to determine candidates for elected offices. Last year, we were able to hold it shortly before the State of Emergency was enacted. The Select Board is currently pursuing special legislation through the state to utilize nomination papers in lieu of the Caucus. This will allow residents interested in holding office to collect signatures from registered voters so they can appear on the ballot. As the Board waits to hear from the state, it has indicated that they would like to call the Annual Town Election to be held on May 8th and for Annual Town Meeting to be held the following Saturday, outdoors, on May 15th. These dates are not firm as of yet. but will be announced through Latest Town News when they are confirmed. Hold the dates in your calendars and stay tuned for further details!

3 - COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Information

Weston Fire Department is still hosting PCR testing for residents. Register online to hold a spot. Weston Public Schools are also offering testing for school children and their families.

To find current information on testing, vaccine phasing, and registering for vaccine clinics, refer to Westonma.gov/health, call 781-786-6299 or email covidquestions@westonma.gov.

4 - Climate Action Toolkit for Homeowners

The slightest change in daily habits can help reduce household greenhouse gas emissions and increase your resilience in the face of climate change. Learn how you can save money, reduce water consumption, reuse natural resources, and so much more in this quick guide for homeowners.

As Weston continues to build its Climate Action and Resilience Plan, this guide will give you the tools to help move Weston Ahead.

5 - Weston Power Choice:
DPU Public Hearing

On Wednesday, February 24th at 2:00 p.m., the Department of Public Utilities will be holding an online public hearing regarding the proposed Weston Power Choice Program. Please review the public notice for instructions on submitting public comment and the link to the aggregation plan. Alternatively, the aggregation plan is also available on the Town's website.

Weston Power Choice allows the Town to purchase electricity supply in bulk for Weston residents and small businesses that are enrolled in Eversource’s Basic Service. A key feature of the program is the integration of additional renewable energy into the power supply. Participants will receive more choices in their energy production supplier, a reduction of their carbon footprint, greater price stability, and the potential for lower electricity supply rates (savings cannot be guaranteed). All Weston Eversource Basic Service customers will be automatically enrolled in the program; however, it is an “opt-out” program as required under Massachusetts law. Residents who have contracted their own electricity supply independently will not be automatically enrolled but are welcome to join Weston Power Choice at any time.

BONUS NEWS!

On Feb. 9th at 7:00 p.m., the Recreation Commission is hosting an online public information meeting on summer camp programming and plans for Memorial Pool. Residents interested in these topics are encouraged to attend.

The Weston Ahead Climate Action and Resilience Plan will lay the groundwork for our sustainable future. As we iron out the final details of the plan, we need your input to refine the proposed actions to ensure they align with the priorities, past work, and right opportunities for change throughout the Weston community. Please take a few moments to complete this online survey and please share it with three friends before it closes on Feb. 21st.