Weymouth Town Council opens FY2025 budget hearing, proposes first trash fee hike in 19 years

WEYMOUTH — May 20, 2024 — Weymouth Town Council opens and closes an FY2025 budget hearing with no public comment on a $205 million spending plan. Mayor Robert Hedlund and Chief of Staff Ted Langell presented the budget to the council on May 20, describing a plan that had to close a $7.9 million shortfall driven by an 11 percent increase in state GIC health insurance costs — adding $2.76 million to expenses alone. The administration proposes raising the residential trash fee from $100 to $168 annually, the first increase in 19 years, generating $1.2 million in new revenue, while broader fee adjustments across six departments add an estimated $346,000. Hedlund said the town's $9.5 million stabilization fund remains intact and no override is needed. The budget is now in the Budget Management Committee under Councilor Shanahan for a six-week review before a council vote ahead of the July 1 fiscal year start.