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Finance committee recommends Doug Robbins to Select Board after three candidate interviews
Summary
After interviewing three applicants for a single vacancy, the Great Barrington Finance Committee voted to forward a favorable recommendation for Doug Robbins to the Select Board. An earlier motion to recommend Adrian (listed in the record as "Adrienne Alcala") failed during deliberations.
The Great Barrington Finance Committee voted on July 14, 2026, to send a favorable recommendation to the Select Board for Doug Robbins to fill a one‑year vacancy on the committee.
The committee heard 10–15 minute opening statements from three applicants. Doug Robbins described four decades of private‑sector experience and a finance degree, saying he approaches problems by "rely[ing] on input from a committee to understand what our challenges are and then figure out a path" (Doug Robbins, candidate). Paul Gibbons, a longtime town volunteer and former teachers association president, emphasized prior service and said he would recuse himself on parks matters if necessary. Adrian described a problem‑solving approach and flagged two large unresolved items the new member would face: the Housatonic Water Works situation and an outstanding contractor dispute requiring significant money.
During public comment, resident James Garzone thanked the applicants and said the town is in "dire straits," urging elected bodies to confront long‑term fiscal pressures. After public comment and deliberation, the committee considered a motion to recommend the candidate identified in the record as "Adrienne Alcala"; that motion failed. The committee then made a new motion and voted to forward a favorable recommendation for Doug Robbins to the Select Board, which holds final authority for the appointment.
Committee members stressed they wanted a volunteer who will attend frequent budget‑season meetings and do detailed preparation. Jeff (committee member) said a candidate's finance credentials mattered in the current fiscal context, calling Robbins' business experience and degree "very transferable" to the committee's work. Chair noted the town needs members who can "roll up their sleeves" during an intensive budget season.
The committee's recommendation is advisory; the Select Board will consider the Finance Committee's recommendation and make the final appointment for the unexpired one‑year term. The Finance Committee recorded the recommendation in its minutes and set no final appointment at this meeting.
A follow‑up: the committee scheduled a subsequent meeting for July 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. to continue strategic‑priority work and other agenda items.
