Committee to brief town meeting on surplus accounting as residents may question large return

Committee members said they will coordinate with the selectboard and finance committee to explain to residents why the district is returning $727,892.93 to the town and how circuit-breaker reimbursements and allowable uses constrain the district's options.

"I think that we should definitely talk to them about it before the next annual town meeting," said Jody, urging that a committee representative and staff explain the accounting and the origin of the funds so residents are not confused by the large return. Committee members discussed asking the moderator to recognize Jill or other officials so that the chair, superintendent and finance staff can present at town meeting. The chair said she would reach out to the selectboard and finance committee and that at least one committee member would attend the town meeting to explain the surplus and the district's limitations on using circuit-breaker funds.

The committee emphasized the need to be transparent and to provide a clear breakdown of circuit-breaker spending and prepayments so the public understands the difference between a bookkeeping surplus and new discretionary revenue.