Halifax officials warn citizens petition may miss June 30 free-cash deadline; consultant help planned

Town Administrator Stephen told the Halifax Finance Committee on June 15 that a citizens petition filed the same day raised a tight timeline to use free cash before the June 30 deadline and that staff would consult town counsel about whether the petition can be certified and scheduled in time.

"In order to use free cash you have to spend it by June 30th," Stephen told the committee, explaining that signatures must be certified and that the select board must open a warrant within 14 days of a petition with 45 days to hold a meeting. He said staff began the certification process the afternoon the petition was submitted and that he would speak to town counsel the following day for a legal timeline.

Because of the timing pressure, Stephen said the town expects to seek outside accounting assistance to certify free cash by Sept. 30. He told the committee he was awaiting a quote from consultant Eric (last name given in the meeting as Eric, firm owner) to retain assistance for the summer months and would share that quote with the finance committee for review. Stephen described the consultant role as limited hours (roughly one day a week or on an as‑needed basis) to complete reconciliations and revenue schedules required for certification.

Stephen also reported progress on collective bargaining: negotiations with several unions are nearing completion and the town now estimates added labor costs in the $150,000–$200,000 range, leaving roughly $1.2 million available for capital planning. He said the town would post internally on an assistant accountant position on July 1 to provide more staff support.

Next step: Stephen said staff will consult town counsel, vet the petition timeline, and return to the committee with a recommendation; the committee also asked to review the consultant quote when it is available.