Westwood sets 15 articles for May Town Meeting vote
Westwood Finance Director Stephanie McManus previewed 15 financial warrant articles ahead of the Annual Town Meeting in May, headlined by a $125.5 million fiscal 2027 operating budget, a 4.3 percent increase over the current year.
Town Meeting · Meeting of March 31, 2026
Westwood Finance Director Stephanie McManus previewed 15 financial warrant articles ahead of the Annual Town Meeting in May, headlined by a $125.5 million fiscal 2027 operating budget, a 4.3 percent increase over the current year. Schools would get $61.8 million and municipal services $27.4 million, with fixed costs at $24.5 million and debt service at $7.4 million. McManus said the town holds roughly $15.7 million in free cash, with $9.7 million proposed for use this cycle, and emphasized Westwood's AAA credit rating from Standard & Poor's.
Other articles include a $1,615,000 OPEB contribution, a $680,000 special education reserve replenishment, and $1,516,000 in FY26 supplemental appropriations for police, fire and snow removal costs. "Free cash plays an important role in maintaining financial flexibility," McManus said. No borrowing articles are included this year, and no votes were taken at this presentation.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 731 words
Source: the Town Meeting meeting of March 31, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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