Wayland Finance Committee seats Giudice and sets Oct. 7 tri-board meeting

WAYLAND — September 25, 2024 — Wayland Finance Committee seats Giudice and braces for an override-free FY26 budget push. New chair Michael Hoyle led his first meeting Sept. 25, welcoming former Massachusetts energy commissioner Phil Giudice, who abstained as members approved Sept. 9 minutes 5-0-1. Member Brian O'Herlihy said the town's near-exhausted tax levy is "functioning as a governor" on fiscal 2026, with the town manager aiming to avoid an operating override and the school assessment effectively the plug. Members expect roughly $7 million in excluded debt to require a debt-exclusion vote on the April 1 ballot, triggering a Finance Committee presentation by Feb. 17. A tri-board meeting with the Select Board and School Committee is tentatively set for Oct. 7. Select Board liaison Carol said town meeting will try a consent calendar for the first time this spring, citing last year's "131-page nonfiction book" warrant.