Town Boards Get Early Warning on FY28 Budget

All-Board · Meeting of September 29, 2026

Wellesley boards get an early, uneasy look at the fiscal 2028 budget. At a joint all-board meeting, town budget lead Megan said all nine town union contracts remain open, health insurance costs are projected up 8 percent, and a Munis software platform change will add $100,000 a year for three years, calling the town's $2 million free-cash assumption unlikely: "I think we're going to need more free cash to balance the budget this year." DPW Director Dave Cohen flagged a trash contract renewal that could run $75,000 to $100,000 higher, plus a projected 15 percent water rate increase. CAPCOM chair Colette, a Select Board member, said the new capital committee is confronting "a mountain of capital" that could mean 30 percent tax increases over four to seven years without better planning.

The Select Board also reviewed two finalist sites, North 40 and Morton Park, for a rebuilt fire Station 1, with no decision made.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,740 words

Source: the All-Board meeting of September 29, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.