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Residents and selectmen spar over oversight of outside-agency funding; motion to withhold Way Station money fails
Summary
Selectboard members debated withholding $10,000 from Way Station over accountability concerns but members noted the appropriation was approved by voters; a motion to withhold funding failed. Residents urged clearer vetting and reporting requirements for outside agencies receiving town funds.
The Ossipee Selectboard reviewed its process for distributing annual payments to outside agencies and heard public concern about oversight.
Board members said the town typically sends about $200,000 a year to outside agencies in two installments (June and December). One member said they repeatedly move to withhold the $10,000 allocation to Way Station (a Conway-based nonprofit) because, in the member’s view, the organization does not provide adequate financial records or participate in the town’s budget process. That motion was seconded but failed. The board noted the appropriation had been approved by voters at town meeting.
Public commenters urged stronger vetting. Ed Kimo Brookfield, who identified himself by name, said oversight is essential: "Who actually is checking to make sure that all of these agencies are following the state law?" He pressed whether the budget committee or town staff is responsible for verifying nonprofit status and service data.
Board members said applications and documentation are routed through the town office to the budget committee before town meeting; the committee is expected to vet submissions. The chair and staff agreed the town administrator’s office collects application materials and that the budget committee has the responsibility to review and question data prior to the vote. If funds are appropriated at town meeting, the board then has discretion to release or withhold payments pending further review.
No formal policy change was adopted at the meeting; several members said a standardized application form or clearer process would help ensure nonprofit recipients provide required financial documentation in advance of the budget hearing.
