Plaistow budget committee seeks more budget detail, asks for written clarification on intercept program funding

Members of the Plaistow Budget Committee pressed town staff for more detailed, department-level budget information and asked for written clarification about the funding and accounting for a community program referred to in the meeting transcript as the "intercept" program.

Tyler Shorman, Town staff, told members the schedule for the budget season was unchanged from last year. "We're looking it'll probably be the September. We'll have something in hand. And then at that point, we'll probably have you guys... meet as a budget committee the first week in October," Shorman said. He proposed repeating the joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen and bringing department heads to answer questions in person.

Budget Committee members requested more granular financial data than the summary reports they receive. "I would like to kinda see it from a little more of a robust, CPA perspective of what's presented to us," one member said, describing a desire for line-item detail, personnel listings and standard reconciliation reports used in audits.

The committee questioned whether funds for the "intercept" program were being deposited and held in separate accounts or were being routed through the town general fund. A member asked for a written clarification that the program is financially independent and that its funds are kept separate from town accounts: "It is my understanding... that the interceptor program is completely and financially independent of the town... I would like a written clarification so that we don't spend a whole year arguing over the point," the member said.

Town staff said they would seek additional information and follow up. "Let me talk to Greg and get more information," a staff member said when the committee pressed for clarity on donations and account handling.

Why it matters: The level of reporting the budget committee receives affects its ability to evaluate department needs, identify revenue sources and ensure that town funds and donor contributions are accounted for and transparent to the public.

Committee members also discussed receiving recurring reports from department heads, including ambulance and recreation services, and suggested monthly or as-needed reporting to the budget committee rather than requiring motions to access reports. "Anytime I've asked Greg for reports he's given to me within 72 hours, so I can get those reports monthly," a committee member said.

The committee asked staff to plan meetings with department heads in late summer, before budgets are finalized, and for follow-up on the intercept program funding structure.

No formal budget votes took place at the meeting; members agreed to seek additional documentation and improved reporting ahead of the upcoming budget season.