Weston committee recommends $400 employee clothing allowance, approves one-time washer-and-dryer purchase

The Village of Weston Finance and Human Resource Committee debated proposed amendments to chapter 5 (job classification and compensation) that would change the clothing and equipment allowance for employees. Committee members considered a range of options — keeping a contracted uniform service, increasing a stipend to $600, or adopting a moderate increase — before reaching a compromise recommendation to the village board.

After public comment and staff briefing, a motion to adopt the proposed changes as written (reflecting a $600 annual allowance) was made and did not pass on roll call. The committee then considered alternative motions — $400 per year and $500 per year proposals — that also failed or resulted in a tie during subsequent votes.

Committee members spoke about two competing priorities: fiscal restraint in light of an upcoming referendum and the need to retain and fairly compensate public works staff who face heavy wear and safety exposure. One committee member said, "Just because we save money does not automatically mean we have to spend it," urging caution before raising allowances. The public works director described frequent overtime, equipment wear and occasional expense spikes — for example, recent employee boot receipts that exceeded $300 — and argued employees need reliable protective apparel.

In discussion the group weighed alternatives including renewing a Cintas uniform contract, raising the stipend to $600, or eliminating the contract and giving staff a cash allowance. Comparables from neighboring municipalities showed a range of approaches: some provide full uniforms, others use allowances. Committee members also suggested non-cash measures such as on-site washers and dryers to avoid employees carrying contaminated shop clothes home.

A final compromise motion passed to recommend the village board set the clothing and equipment allowance at $400 for the remainder of 2026 and $400 annually going forward, and to authorize a one-time purchase of a washer and dryer for shop laundry. The motion passed on a majority voice vote with one member recorded as opposed; the committee forwarded the recommendation to the village board for final action.

Next steps: the committee’s recommendation will be considered by the village board; staff and committee members indicated they will provide the packet comparables and more detailed language for the ordinance amendment to the board.