All Board Meeting May 12, 2026

• Date: May 12, 2026
• Governing Body: Wellesley All Board
• Meeting Type: Joint Board Meeting / Feedback Session
• Attendees: Meghan Jop (Executive Director), Kenneth Largess (Select Board), Colette Aufranc (Select Board), Marjorie Freiman (Select Board), Beth Sullivan Woods (Select Board), Tom Ulfelder (Select Board), Mark Kaplan (Town Moderator), Rachel Heller (Finance), and representatives from the School Committee and various town departments.

Meghan Jop reviewed the FY27 budget cycle, noting several significant changes:

• Separated Budgets: This was the first year using separate motions for municipal and school budgets.
• Individualized Guidelines: The third year of using department-specific guidelines to capture unique cost drivers.
• Strategic Focus: The budget focused on level service planning and the implementation of the new classification and compensation system.
• Collective Bargaining: All union contracts for both town and school departments expire on June 30, 2026. Negotiations are currently underway with no settlements reached yet.

The board discussed several factors anticipated to impact the FY28 budget:

• Economic Volatility: Federal uncertainty and ongoing war efforts are impacting petroleum and utility costs.
• Interest Rates: The town is assuming a conservative 5% interest rate for out-year borrowing and financial planning.
• Health Insurance: A projected 8% year-over-year increase is anticipated for the next three years. However, new restrictions on GLP-1 coverage by health insurance carriers may provide future cost savings.
• State Aid: Information regarding Chapter 70 and Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) is expected in late fall.

Rachel Heller from the Finance Department addressed the management of cash capital:

• Carry-Forward Analysis: The town identified over $6 million in prior-year cash capital currently held by departments.
• Deferral Strategy: Departments were asked to defer FY27 requests to focus on closing out active projects from 2021–2023.
• New Controls: Finance will no longer automatically carry forward capital funds. Departments must now provide specific justification for funds not spent within two years.
• Policy Quote: "When you have unspent cash capital monies the intent isn't that 'oh I have this bucket of money I'll use that for another need' so we need to be more intentional because those are presented to you to the boards and you're approving that."

Town Moderator Mark Kaplan proposed several permanent changes based on recent successes:

• Equipment: Permanent use of speaker podiums and the countdown clock.
• Seating: Suggested moving all Town Meeting members to the center and right sections to improve collegiality and visibility.
• Budget Presentation: Recommended continuing the separation of Town and School budgets to allow for better focus on each.
• Consent Agenda: Proposed an expanded consent agenda for the first night of Town Meeting to expedite proceedings.
• MLP Status: Suggested restoring the Municipal Light Plant (MLP) to the enterprise articles to increase public awareness of the utility.

Linda (School Committee) provided feedback on the divided omnibus budget:

• Process: The committee felt the internal budgeting process remained effective and transparent.
• Risk Assessment: Expressed concern that dividing the budget introduced unnecessary risk. "If there really wasn't a lot of additional benefit to splitting the budgets, then the question is why would we want to introduce the risk of having one of the budgets not be approved."

Colette Aufranc provided an update on the long-range capital budget program:

• Tax Impact: Proposed capital projects are projected to increase the median tax bill from $18,199 in FY27 to $24,365 by FY35, a 34% increase.
• Committee Composition: Includes two Select Board members, one School Committee member, one Board of Public Works member, and one citizen member.
• Timeline: The committee will begin work in earnest in Fall 2026, with the first recommendations expected in Spring 2027.

• General Bylaw Review Committee: A new committee will be formed in June to address internal inconsistencies and outdated language in the town bylaws. It will include Select Board members, the Town Moderator, the Town Clerk, and three Town Meeting members.
• Citizens Leadership Academy: The inaugural program will launch in September with 20 applicants. The program consists of eight evening sessions covering town functions like finance, public safety, and sustainability.

Meghan Jop outlined items slated for the Fall Special Town Meeting (November 9, 10, and 16):

• Personnel: 10–12 new personnel policies from the HR Board.
• Capital Projects: School AC design funds, LED light project for the library, and a potential feasibility study for fire stations.
• Development: Potential zoning and development agreement for 888 Worcester Street (Jumbo Capital).