Executive Summary
At the August 17, 2026, meeting, the Wellesley Select Board received a highly favorable FY2026 year-end financial update, reporting a $10 million revenue surplus and $6.9 million in expenditure turn-backs, which prompted discussions regarding the establishment of a capital stabilization fund. The Board approved an intermunicipal agreement with Norfolk County for weights and measures services, contingent upon legal review of state population requirements. Additionally, the Board set the schedule for the Fall Special Town Meeting for November 9, 2026, approved 3% merit pay increases for public safety leadership, and reviewed the upcoming public engagement strategy for the North 40 property.
Meeting Information
- Governing Body: Select Board
- Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
- Date: August 17, 2026
- Location: Giuliani Room, Town Hall
- Attendees:
- Marjorie Freiman, Chair
- Tom Ulfelder, Vice Chair
- Colette Aufranc, Secretary
- Beth Sullivan Woods, Board Member
- Kenneth Largess, Board Member
- Meghan Jop, Executive Director
- Corey Testa, Assistant Executive Director
- Rachel DeRoche, CFO
- Tiana Dessens, Town Accountant
Executive Director's Update
Executive Director Meghan Jop provided several administrative updates:
- Elections: The deadline to register for the primary is August 22, 2026. Early voting begins August 22 and runs through August 29. Election Day is September 1, 2026.
- Morse's Pond: Operations closed for the season on August 16; the pond remains open but unstaffed.
- Parking Tickets: Management has transitioned to the Wellesley Police Department. An extension for tickets issued between June 29 and July 15 is in effect until August 19, 2026.
Consent Agenda
The Board reviewed the following items on the consent agenda:
- Car dealership license for McGovern Auto Group (962 Worcester Street).
- Change to corporate officers and license type for Whole Foods (off-premises wine and malt beverages).
- Design and installation of a new sign at Bates Elementary School.
- Appointment of a new building inspector.
- Appointment of five new members to the Cultural Council.
- Modification of free parking dates for the "Discover Wellesley" event on October 2-3, 2026.
Vote: The Board voted 5-0 to approve the consent agenda.
Norfolk County Intermunicipal Agreement (Weights and Measures)
The Board discussed outsourcing weights and measures services to Norfolk County following the retirement of Jack Walsh.
- Financials: The annual cost is set at $13,000.
- Discussion: Beth Sullivan Woods raised concerns regarding MGL requirements for towns with populations over 20,000 to maintain their own sealer. William Buckley (Norfolk County) clarified that the regional model is approved by the Division of Standards.
- Official Action: The Board approved the agreement with contingencies.
- Motion: "So move to enter into an intermusable agreement commencing on August 1, 2026 and terminating on July 31, 2029 with Norfolk County to provide weights and measures services upon the retirement of sealer of Weights and Measures Jack Walsh. The agreement is contingent upon review of the contract by town council and specifically resolution of the question over provision into municipal services given the population of the town and the content of mass general law."
Vote: Approved 5-0.
FY2026 Year-End Financial Update
CFO Rachel DeRoche and Town Accountant Tiana Dessens presented the year-end results:
- Revenues: $10 million over budget.
- Interest Earnings: Driven by cash on hand for capital projects; rates trended from 4.5% to 3.8%.
- Motor Vehicle Excise: $1.3 million over budget ($7 million total).
- Building Permits: $1.6 million over budget, including a $700,000 permit for Babson Lodge.
- Meals Tax: Exceeded $1 million for the first time.
- Expenditures: $6.9 million under budget.
- Schools: $2.6 million turn-back.
- Health Insurance: $1.5 million turn-back.
- Fire Department: $500,000 turn-back due to vacancies and zero injury pay (111F) claims.
- Reserves: Currently at 20% of FY27 revenues. The Board discussed increasing the reserve policy range (currently 8-12%) and establishing a capital stabilization fund.
Special Town Meeting Warrant
The Board established the schedule for the Fall Special Town Meeting (STM).
- Date: November 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM (Wellesley High School).
- Warrant Dates: Opens August 17; closes August 21, 2026.
- Anticipated Articles: HR policies, union contracts, parking clerk transfer, and capital funding for school air conditioning and library lighting.
- Official Action: "So move to call a special time meeting to be held Monday, November 9th 2026 at 7pm at the Wellesley High School located at 50 Rice Street..."
Vote: Approved 5-0.
Town Bylaw Review Committee Charge
The Board reviewed amendments to the committee's charge, including renaming it the "Town Bylaw Review Committee" and clarifying appointment procedures.
- Discussion: Beth Sullivan Woods expressed opposition to the committee appointing its own members, advocating for Select Board appointments.
Vote: Approved 4-1 (Sullivan Woods opposed).
North 40 Public Engagement Plan
The Board reviewed plans for a Charette-style workshop regarding the North 40 property.
- Date: October 1, 2026, at 6:30 PM (Hunnewell School).
- Objective: Gather community input on comprehensive uses, including conservation, recreation, and municipal needs (e.g., fire station siting).
- Notification: Abutters within 500 feet and community gardeners will receive direct notice.
Merit Pay Recommendations
Executive Director Meghan Jop recommended 3% merit increases for public safety leaders based on exceptional performance, including the management of high-profile homicide investigations and the Fire Station Master Plan.
- Recipients: Police Chief Scott Whittemore, Fire Chief Rick Mortarelli, and Assistant Fire Chief Charles DeJohn Domenico.
Vote: Approved 5-0.