Selectmen approve new grant-management policy to centralize applications and financial review

The North Brookfield Board of Selectmen on July 29 adopted a draft Grant Management Policy and Procedure aimed at centralizing oversight of grant applications and tracking awarded grants.

Why it matters: Board members said unclear or late notice of required local matches has previously exposed the town to unexpected financial obligations; the policy is intended to route grant applications to town officials and the finance committee for early review.

At the meeting, the board described the policy framework: department leaders or committee chairs who identify grant opportunities must submit a Board of Selectmen grant signature request form; the town accountant will log applications; straightforward grants may be approved by the board alone, while grants that require additional attention — including matches or long-term obligations — will be referred to the finance committee for evaluation before the board acts.

The board recognized the policy as a living document intended to provide structure and central coordination, not to discourage grant-seeking. Town Accountant Sheila LeBlanc and Finance Committee Chair Joseph Trinitosta were thanked by the board for drafting the policy.

A motion to approve the policy, made during the meeting, was seconded and approved by voice vote. Board members said the policy will help the finance committee assess matching requirements and budget implications as the town plans annual budgets.

No statutory citation or ordinance was invoked during the discussion; the policy acts as a local administrative procedure for the town’s internal grant workflow.