Finance committee re‑elects Karen Rouse as chair; Cindy Brown confirmed as vice chair

Karen Rouse was re‑elected chair of the Westport Finance Committee at the committee’s July 14 meeting and Cindy Brown was confirmed again as vice chair.

Rouse was nominated and seconded during the committee’s annual reorganization and the committee completed a roll‑call confirmation. After the vote, Rouse said she would continue in the role: “I’ll do it again.” The chair later summarized the roll call as producing five affirmative votes.

Cindy Brown was nominated and seconded to remain vice chair; the committee held a roll call and recorded affirmative votes to confirm her in that role.

Why it matters: The chair and vice chair set meeting agendas and shepherd the committee’s budget review and liaison work with town departments. Reappointing both leaders gives the committee continuity heading into its planning window ahead of the fall and winter budget season.

What happens next: The committee will circulate the finalized list of committee appointments and department liaisons to the Select Board for formal consideration and appointment where required. The committee also discussed scheduling a working session in early September to prepare guidance for warrant‑article review.

Votes and formal actions

- The committee approved Karen Rouse as chair by roll call (affirmative votes recorded; chair reported five members voting in the affirmative). Outcome: approved.

- The committee approved Cindy Brown as vice chair by roll call. Outcome: approved.

The meeting adjourned after completing other administrative business.