Westport Finance Committee Backs $80,000 School Budget Addition Before Town Meeting

Finance Committee · Meeting of March 10, 2026

Westport Finance Committee signals support for adding $80,000 to school budget as town meeting approaches. At the March 10 meeting, chaired by Karen Rouse, school representative Evan told the panel that a $135,000 gap between the school department's request and the Select Board's recommendation could be closed if the town contributed $80,000, with the district absorbing the rest internally — which would still bring the school's free cash reliance down to roughly $430,000 from $650,000 two years prior. Members Cindy Brown and Al Lees strongly backed the move; Hugh Morton said it was "something we can live with." The committee also heard Community Preservation Committee Chair Betty Slade present six CPA-funded projects totaling roughly $1.274 million, including a $300,000 conservation restriction on 311 Drift Road and $400,000 toward a new public tennis and pickleball complex.

Treasurer-Collector Susan Brayton presented a proposed $5 million excluded-debt borrowing authorization for foreclosed tax title properties, prompting concern over the dollar amount and bargaining mechanics. The committee unanimously approved a $16,462.26 reserve transfer for an emergency fire station elevator repair.

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Source: the Finance Committee meeting of March 10, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.