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Board of Finance members urge better communication with schools, propose charrette-style public discussion
Summary
Board members at the June 11 special meeting thanked residents for participating in the budget process, discussed tensions between supporters of lower taxes and school funding advocates, and proposed future meetings and a possible charrette to improve communication and find efficiencies.
During board comments at the June 11 special meeting, members reflected on a difficult budget season that included two referenda and said they want to improve communication across town government and with the public.
Several members said the town should pursue earlier, more substantive discussion between the Board of Finance and the Board of Education during the December–February budget window so potential disputes can be surfaced and addressed before referenda. One board member suggested convening a charrette-style forum to bring stakeholders together and reduce public hostility on school-budget questions.
Members acknowledged structural constraints — the water and sewer funds are ratepayer-funded enterprise funds distinct from the general government budget — and discussed scheduling a future agenda item to compile suggested process changes in advance of the 2027–28 budget season. The board set a follow-up item for consideration and confirmed the next meeting for July 8 at 5:30 p.m.
