Wayland approves $112.9 million budget and $38.6 million water project

WAYLAND — May 4, 2026 — Wayland Town Meeting approves $112.9M budget and authorizes $38.6M for new water plant. Voters passed the fiscal 2027 operating budget 256-19, a 4.6 percent increase, and approved borrowing up to $38.6 million for a Happy Hollow water treatment facility and MWRA connection by 209-12, preserving a $7 million entrance fee waiver. Board of Public Works Vice Chair Michael Wegerbauer warned that "none of Wayland's currently permitted water supplies will comply" with federal PFAS limits taking effect in 2029. The $9.4 million capital budget passed 224-15 after a failed 61-178 amendment to strike $250,000 in IT funding for video monitoring; IT Director Nick Lombardi said town systems are over 20 years old and at "high risk of a ransomware attack." A separate bid by resident Klaus Bernstein to add $200,000 for cybersecurity was ruled out of order. Town Meeting adjourned to Tuesday with Article 22 pending.