Budget committee declines to recommend $75,000 citizen petition for independent operations review

A citizens' petition seeking $75,000 to hire an independent consultant for a comprehensive organizational and operations review did not receive a recommendation from the Wolfeboro Budget Committee at its Jan. 13 public hearing.

Anne Blodgett, speaking for Citizens For [organization name as in petition], told the committee the petition is supported by hundreds of residents and seeks to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency across town government. She asked the committee to let voters decide whether the town should fund a consultant to identify opportunities for improved service delivery.

During discussion committee members raised questions about timing and whether $75,000 would yield meaningful results given current staffing constraints and other pressing capital and operating needs. A roll-call vote on a motion to recommend the petition recorded four votes in favor, four against and two abstentions; the motion therefore failed to produce a recommendation. Several members noted that the petition will still appear on the warrant for deliberation by the town's legislative body if validly submitted by petitioners.

"We've seen a lot of recurring themes; citizens are seeking transparency and more efficient use of resources," Anne Blodgett said. The committee's divided vote reflects differing views on whether now is the appropriate time to allocate limited funds to a broad organizational review.

The item will be scheduled for deliberation along with other warrant articles at the town's deliberative session in February.