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Weston board authorizes referendum question to fund six SAFER positions with $600,000 levy ask
Summary
Trustees approved Resolution 2026-002 to authorize a $600,000 referendum question to add six SAFER firefighter/paramedic positions; board discussed a $300,000 alternative and voted on the $600,000 option by roll call.
The Village of Weston Board of Trustees voted to authorize a referendum question asking voters to exceed state levy limits by $600,000 on an ongoing basis to fund Weston’s share of six SAFER firefighter/paramedic positions.
Staff presented two options: a $600,000 option that would fund six positions (with an expected midyear hire if approved) and a $300,000 option to fund three positions next year. Trustees and staff discussed levy impacts, the timing of TIF closures, and whether the village should start smaller.
Trustee Maloney moved to approve Resolution 2026-002 authorizing the $600,000 question; the board took a roll-call vote and approved the motion. The recorded roll-call votes on Resolution 2026-002 were: Maloney — yes; Cronin — yes; Ermeline — no; Kern — yes; Lopez Sarrau — yes; Jordan — no; Sagami — yes.
Staff noted that the $600,000 option would add six staff midyear if the referendum passes, while the $300,000 alternative would add three staff next year and may require revisiting the question in 2028 depending on TIF and budget outcomes.
The board then moved to deny the $300,000 option (Resolution 2026-003) consistent with approving the larger request.
Next steps include finalizing referendum question language and presentation to voters if the municipality proceeds with the referendum process.
