The town’s budget process is confusing.
The town’s charter only makes it more so, according to some town officials.
So Tuesday, the Board of Selectmen appointed a seven-member Charter Revision Commission to review the sections of the town charter dealing with the budget process.
The commission is asked to make a recommendation on wording changes that clarify the process.
The commission will have a tight deadline. The Board of Selectmen expect to hear back from them by Dec. 14 — less than three months from now.
First Selectmen Paul Roy said that members of both the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance have asked for the review.
“Going through the process, we’re always confused,” Roy said after the board meeting Tuesday. “It doesn’t matter who’s sitting here… We need to get it in concise language, so everyone understands.”
Of particular concern — after voters repeatedly rejected budget proposals last year — is what to do when the budget doesn’t pass before July 1, the start of the new fiscal year, Roy said.
Roy said that he’s not looking for systemic changes that would alter the way the town votes. He simply wants language cleaned up and budget process timeframes clarified.
Roy said the quick deadline for the new commission is required to get any proposed changes to voters before the next budget season comes up.
“I know it’s kind of ambitious,” Roy said, “but if they really get to work, I think they can do it.”
Roy said he wants to hold a special referendum before February to put any proposed changes to the voters.
The following people were named to the commission:
- Trisha Danka — R
- Irene Jecusco — R
- Robin Andrews — R
- Al Bruno — U
- Al Ermer — D
- Gary Biesadecki — D
- Navnit Mitter D
