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Group 1 keeps Article 4 as drafted after debate over whether town council should gain more appropriation power
Summary
Members debated whether to give the town council more authority to increase appropriations (C4-12). The Board of Finance chair opposed the change; members warned of politicization risks. Group 1 voted to leave Article 4 as written and forward it unchanged to the full CRC (three in favor, one abstention).
Group 1 considered whether to change Article 4 to give the town council greater ability to increase appropriations. Proponents argued legislative oversight could improve accountability; opponents, including representatives of the Board of Finance, warned that shifting power could encourage pork-barrel spending and politicize the budget process.
Several speakers recounted a recent budget episode in which funding for counseling services and contractual oversight was adjusted during negotiations; the Board of Finance asserted its role in prudently reviewing appropriations. One commissioner described the risk of opening the charter to changes that would enable special appropriations with less rigorous controls.
After discussion, a motion to keep Article 4 as drafted (i.e., not to expand town council appropriation powers at this stage) was made, seconded and carried in Group 1. On the record, the group reported three votes in favor and one abstention; the item will be considered by the full CRC with Group 1's recommendation to leave the provision as is.
