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Board considers tightening nonprofit funding rules for $5,000+ requests
Summary
Select Board debated a proposed policy change to require organizations requesting $5,000 or more for town meeting ballot inclusion to submit a complete financial breakdown or prior-year financial statements; discussion focused on transparency for rescue squad and fire department funding requests.
The Select Board reviewed a proposed revision to the town policy governing nonprofit agency funding that would require any organization seeking $5,000 or more to provide a detailed financial breakdown and, when applicable, a budget or prior‑year financial report. The change was framed as a tool to give the board and voters sufficient information when groups seek line‑item funding in the town meeting warrant.
A board member said the change was prompted by requests from the rescue squad that lacked supporting financial detail and by voter questions about why some agencies had large year‑over‑year increases. Members discussed whether the requirement would also apply to the fire department and sheriff contract (the sheriff is contracted for services and therefore different in nature). One member proposed accepting a proposed budget or previous year’s financial statement when current-year financials are not yet closed. The board indicated it would press organizations for more transparency and said the policy language could be adjusted to reflect the calendar-year accounting cycle used by some service providers.
