Wellesley Select Board Opens Warrant for Nov. 9 Special Town Meeting

Select Board · Meeting of August 17, 2026

Wellesley closes fiscal 2026 about $17 million ahead of budget, reopening a reserves debate. CFO Rachel DeRoche and Town Accountant Tiana Desens reported revenues $10 million over budget and expenses $6.9 million under, pushing projected reserves to 20 percent of fiscal 2027 revenue. Member Kenneth Largess argued the town is "sitting on $40 million that is not being spent" and pushed for tax and fee relief instead of further reserve-building, particularly for seniors.

The Select Board also voted 5-0 to hire Norfolk County for weights and measures inspections at $13,000 a year, contingent on a legal review, following Sealer Jack Walsh's Oct. 9 retirement, and appointed five new members, including Richard Page and Min Li, to the Cultural Council. The board opened its fall Special Town Meeting warrant, set for Nov. 9 at Wellesley High School.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,167 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of August 17, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.