Advisory Committee reviews Town Clerk's FY27 budget request

WELLESLEY -- January 21, 2026, Wellesley Advisory Committee reviews Town Clerk's FY27 budget as election costs climb. Town Clerk KC Kato told the committee on Jan. 21 that each election now costs $30,000 to $40,000, with FY27 set to include a September state primary, November midterm and March town election. Kato said Wellesley ranked fourth in the state for mail-in voting share in the last presidential race, and that postage and seasonal staffing are the main cost drivers. She said polling places have already been cut from eight to five, with little further savings available due to statutory precinct staffing. The committee, chaired by Madison Riley, approved Jan. 14 minutes 8-0 with two abstentions and adjourned 10-0. Liaison Susan Clapham reported the Council on Aging voted to offer its director job to Holly Lucht.