Select Board approves $444,998.86 warrant that includes $384,700 county tax appropriation; treasurer outlines collections

The Wayne Select Board on Aug. 19 approved accounts payable warrant No. 7 totaling $444,998.86, noting the amount is driven primarily by the town’s annual county tax appropriation of $384,700. The board voted 4‑0 to approve the warrant after the town treasurer and town manager explained the composition of the payment.

At the meeting the treasurer explained that the county appropriation accounts for the majority of the large warrant. Board members discussed whether state legislation allows prorating or installment payments; staff said the bill as received showed a full amount due Sept. 1 and that any legislative changes would likely take effect next year. The board approved payroll warrant No. 6 and accepted donations totaling $3,080 to supplement lab recreation center programs.

Treasurer’s update: Lynn provided an expense summary and noted that the presentation of tax revenue in the accounting report is skewed by an item related to commitments; she will work with the town’s accounting software vendor (Trio) to produce a normalized year‑to‑date collection figure. The treasurer reported that 30‑day notices for unpaid taxes went out (71 notices); 20 payments were returned so far and some delinquent accounts will proceed to lien process later in the year.

Board members asked for clearer financial reporting going into budget season and requested the finance policy and account balances be circulated before the next meeting. The board and staff agreed to a more comprehensive financial briefing at the second meeting in September, and to invite the budget committee to that session.