The Great Barrington Finance Committee on Nov. 18 pressed town finance staff for explanations of several budget lines after reviewing October financial reports.

Committee member Milena raised concerns that legal-fee spending is approaching the budgeted amount and asked whether the town will have enough to cover litigation through the fiscal year. Town finance staff said open litigation details are confidential but that staff will do a line-by-line review after Thanksgiving and report back. "I can't guarantee that because we still have six months to go," the administrator's finance representative said of legal costs.

Members also questioned a $17,000 deficit in the assessor contracted-services line. Staff explained the town’s Munis financial system required a bridge to correct personal-property billing errors; about $14,000 of the amount is encumbered and year-end transfers and contingency funds may cover the remainder.

Milena asked about a tax-title litigation line in the collector/treasurer account. Finance staff said the tax-title line represents costs incurred when delinquent accounts proceed to foreclosure and that a separate attorney handles Land Court cases; staff will follow up with the collector for specifics.

Milena flagged multiple Department of Public Works Highway lines that are over budget, calling out an approximately $40,000 projected overrun on streetlights. Staff said they will seek details from DPW department head Joe and circulate findings.

On debt service, staff said a short-term interest payment is in process and will appear on the November financials; staff also acknowledged a long-term bond approved by the Select Board and said they will provide the exact documentation and amount.

Action items recorded: staff (Allison/Ali and Liz) will follow up with department heads on legal fees, tax-title litigation details, DPW overages and the precise bond documentation and report back to the committee.