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Agricultural commission discusses need for fundraising, town support for small operating costs
Summary
Commission members said they have no regular budget and must explore fundraising options or a small town allotment to cover routine expenses such as postage for mailings and event costs.
Commission members told the March 12, 2018 meeting that the Agricultural Commission has no funded budget and therefore lacks regular access to postage, event funds or other small operating dollars. Members said town staff accommodated a one‑time mailing of more than 60 flyers for an equine event but that a sustainable approach is needed.
Members discussed options: forming a separate fundraising entity (for example, a "friends of" group) to accept donations and run fundraisers because, as one member said, town commissions often cannot hold fundraisers directly. The commission cited the Lakeville Historical Commission’s umbrella fundraising group as a local example and suggested a similar arrangement or asking the town for a small annual allocation (one member mentioned an illustrative $100) to cover postage and incidental costs.
Members noted that accepting donations directly may be possible but that the commission should verify the town’s rules and accounting requirements. They agreed to gather more information and discuss fundraising mechanisms at the next meeting.
