Finance Committee endorses Specialized Energy Code in 5-1 vote

WAYLAND — February 28, 2024 — Wayland Finance Committee recommends Specialized Energy Code 5-1 as health costs strain budget. The committee endorsed Article Y, which would require new residential and commercial construction to be either all-electric or pre-wired for electrification with on-site solar, after presentations from petitioner Ellen Tohn and a co-sponsor. Tohn said adoption would keep Wayland eligible for state Climate Leaders grants, noting the town has already drawn "over $810,000" in DOER funding. Finance Director Brian Keveney told members the fiscal 2025 operating budget now shows a 5.14 percent spending increase and a 6.32 percent tax increase after West Suburban Health Group rates came in roughly $515,000 above budget, prompting Town Manager Michael McCollum to shift $255,000 in items to free cash. The Select Board's 3-1 vote Monday to withdraw a $200,000 Route 20 design article freed additional free cash. The committee also approved Article P's roughly $813,000 in CPA set-asides 6-0, Article EE's $65,846 in open space projects 6-0, and the enterprise fund and personnel bylaw articles 5-0.