Weston board advances drafting of annual fire fee; residents press for clearer communication and legal review

The Village of Weston Board of Trustees directed staff and its attorney to prepare a draft ordinance for an annual fire fee and to return with funding options, including a version based on assessed value, at a future budget workshop.

Trustees discussed whether to structure the charge as a fee or a special service charge under state statutes. Finance staff said they and the village attorney were reviewing multiple statutes cited in the packet to determine legal constraints and to recommend a legally defensible approach. Trustees asked the attorney to produce draft language for the board's budget workshop scheduled for Sept. 22.

Several residents used public comment to press the board for clearer public communication and to criticize prior handling of a referendum. Cindy Russell, summarizing a village comprehensive-plan survey, told trustees residents prioritized roads, sidewalks, local jobs and public safety, and she criticized past board spending decisions she said did not align with survey priorities. "Please be focused on safety, roads, jobs, and fiscal sense," Russell said.

Jim Gitzenalt raised concerns about the board's composition and asked why the referendum language to exceed state levy limits in July 2024 did not appear on the spring 2025 ballot; he also alleged potential conflicts of interest involving a trustee who serves on the SAFER board and also responds to calls with the fire department. The trustee, who identified himself and said he works and trains with the fire department, told the meeting he would not be impartial and acknowledged his dual roles.

Resident Lisa Beck urged better public information about how a fire fee would be calculated and how it would affect individual homeowners and businesses over multiple years. "I don't think people are disagreeing that you need help ... it's how is that gonna come up? How is that affect us?" Beck said.

Board members discussed formulas for structuring a fee — flat per-structure, per-service, or an assessed-value–based approach — and asked the attorney to provide draft language and options that show the fiscal impact under different models. Trustees also noted they will consider alternative short-term funding options during 2026 budget planning.

No ordinance was adopted at the meeting; trustees set a timeline for a draft ordinance to be available for review at the Sept. 22 budget workshop and signaled further legal review before any final vote.