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Dover board moves to modernize budgeting and investments, approves ClearGov software
Summary
Selectmen backed a new investment policy framework, praised consolidation of town accounts, and approved ClearGov budgeting software to replace an Excel model and improve forecasting, transparency and integration with the town's general ledger.
The Dover Board of Selectmen advanced a package of finance modernization steps that officials said will improve transparency, forecasting and operational efficiency.
Finance staff presented a draft investment policy that consolidates many bank accounts, eliminates low‑yield accounts, clarifies statutory limits on investments and provides a structure for quarterly reporting to the board. Staff said the treasurer will handle short‑term cash management while longer‑term funds (for example OPEB) could be overseen by an investment adviser hired through an RFP. Members praised steps to increase transparency and quarterly reporting.
The board also approved purchasing ClearGov budgeting software. The finance director said ClearGov would replace an elaborate Excel model, integrate with the town's VADAR general ledger, enable multi‑year forecasting and produce a public digital budget book and capital project pages. Board members who saw demos supported an aggressive summer implementation to have the tool ready for the next budget cycle.
The board credited staff for negotiating a lower inflation adjustment in the ClearGov price and asked for staged implementation: use year‑one to replace internal Excel-based processes, then expand capital forecasting and public pages in subsequent years.
Separately, the board approved a renewal agreement with Aponte & Aponte for municipal financial services at a reduced rate while the town continues recruitment for a permanent town accountant.
