The Acton Select Board meeting on September 15, 2025, highlighted significant changes in the town's financial management, aimed at improving transparency and efficiency for residents. Newly appointed Treasurer Collector, who began on July 7, shared plans to enhance the town's financial operations, including a fresh approach to debt tracking and investment strategies.

One of the key initiatives discussed was the adoption of Unibank's Base Fund, a free online debt tracking software. This tool will provide greater transparency and reporting capabilities regarding the town's debt, allowing key officials, including the budget director and town accountant, to access real-time data. This move is expected to streamline financial oversight and reduce the number of inquiries from auditors.

In a notable shift, the town will transition its eligible trust funds to a "prudent investor" model starting October 1. This change replaces an outdated list of 22 stocks with a broader range of investment options, which is anticipated to maximize returns and diversify the town's investment portfolio. The Treasurer Collector expressed optimism that these changes would yield positive financial outcomes by the beginning of the third quarter.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the restructuring of the town's banking operations. A new concentration account will facilitate town payments more efficiently, allowing funds to remain in an interest-earning account until needed for payments. This change aims to enhance cash flow management and ensure that the town earns interest on funds that would otherwise sit idle.

The Treasurer Collector also noted the consolidation of several bank accounts to improve access to funds and streamline financial operations. By locking some funds into six-month CDs, the town is positioning itself to take advantage of potential interest rate changes.

These financial reforms are part of a broader effort to enhance the town's fiscal health and ensure that taxpayer dollars are managed effectively. As these initiatives roll out, residents can expect improved financial transparency and potentially greater returns on the town's investments.