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Citizen budget communications group readies digest for February budget hearing with BudCom review
Summary
An ad hoc citizen group preparing a plain-language budget summary reported progress; the Select Board encouraged BudCom review for accuracy and agreed the group may proceed with outreach after confirming the numbers.
An ad hoc Budget Communications Group updated the Select Board on a citizen‑driven effort to produce a plain-language summary of the town budget ahead of the February budget hearing. Committee members said the goal is to present digestible information that encourages resident participation in hearings and town meeting.
Committee members said the draft is intended to be citizen‑generated and accessible; they asked BudCom (the Budget Committee) to review the draft numbers for accuracy before publication to avoid discrepancies with the official packet. Select Board members generally supported the idea so long as BudCom or staff confirms that the figures in the digest match the numbers that will be presented at the budget hearing. The group discussed distribution options including the town website and a mailer; the board noted that mailers and website postings can create a perception of official endorsement, so they recommended BudCom confirmation and transparency about document origin (citizen‑created with BudCom verification).
Committee members said they would attempt to finalize a reviewed version in time to distribute ahead of the town’s budget hearing on Feb. 10 and that they would coordinate with BudCom and staff to confirm final figures. The Select Board signaled general assent to the citizen group’s plan if BudCom signs off on accuracy.
