Select Board Appoints Three New Patrol Officers

Select Board · Meeting of October 13, 2026

Wellesley's Select Board swore in three new patrol officers and approved FY28 budget guidelines at its October 13 meeting. The board voted unanimously to appoint John Canal, Georgia Jones and Nicolas LeVangle, filling three vacancies left by retirements and a transfer; Police Chief Scott Whittemore said a record 160 candidates sat this cycle's entrance exam. The board also set FY28 guidelines featuring a 2 percent cost-of-living increase, a $300,000 merit pay pool and a 6 percent capital financing range, below the town's usual 6.2-to-6.8-percent band, which CFO Rachel DeRoche said requires roughly $1.3 million in capital cuts.

A separate debate over Facilities Management Director Joe McDonough's memo opposing a $7.8 million Citizens' Petition for accelerated school air-conditioning construction drew no vote. "This is putting him out ahead of the three boards and committees that he supports," said member Beth Sullivan Woods.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,394 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of October 13, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.