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Board discusses forming a citizens budget committee to review town finances
Summary
A board member proposed creating a citizens budget committee to advise on budget and procurement; members asked for sample mission statements, scope, expected membership and clarity on how the controller would interact with such a committee.
A member of the Town Board proposed forming a citizens budget committee to bring outside expertise to budget and procurement review and to help the town find efficiencies.
The town's chief financial officer (speaking as the town's CFO) said volunteers have expressed interest and that the committee would work with the controller; the CFO said he would solicit resumes and bring recommendations to the board.
Other board members asked for a written proposal that compared mission statements and processes from similar committees in neighboring municipalities, specified committee size and term, and clarified the expected role and time commitment of the town controller or comptroller. One member cautioned against assigning work that would preoccupy the controller and delay other tasks, including completion of a forensic audit that members have said found budget irregularities.
Members agreed the proponent should gather examples and draft a clearer document outlining membership, duration, and staff interaction so the board could place the committee formation on a future agenda.
