Select Board Renews Verizon Cable License

Select Board · Meeting of October 6, 2026

Wellesley Select Board approved a new Verizon cable license and weighed the risk of rushing a school air conditioning project. The board voted 5-0 to renew Verizon New England's cable television license effective November 6, after a hearing with town counsel Bill August and Verizon's John Harrington. Facilities Management Department Director Joe McDonough told the board an accelerated construction schedule for Fisk and Bates elementary schools is "possible, but carries more risk than I would call feasible," citing a $170,200 added design cost and a compressed 12-week design window.

Secretary Colette Aufranc said the town's five-year capital picture has grown from $93 million in 2023 to roughly $400 million as the board drafts a new capital stabilization fund policy. Staff recommended a 2 percent cost-of-living adjustment for fiscal 2028, below the 2.3 to 2.5 percent the HR Board endorsed. No vote was taken on school air conditioning funding; Chief Financial Officer Rachel will model $8 million to $12 million scenarios before the board's October 13 meeting.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,288 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of October 6, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.