The Advisory Committee consists of nine members appointed by the Town Moderator.
Committee members are concerned citizens with a strong interest in the workings of Town government. The Committee’s function is to review financial and other articles on the Town Meeting warrant and make recommendations to the Town Meeting.
During February and March, the Advisory Committee receives the Selectmen’s budget and holds budget review sessions with various Town departments and boards. The Committee develops a set of budget recommendations for presentation to the Annual Town Meeting and informs the Selectmen of any changes to their proposed budget. The Advisory Committee’s recommendations on the budget and other warrant articles are mailed to all registered voters.
Each year the Advisory Committee sets aside a sum of money in the Annual Budget which is known as the reserve. The amount of the reserve varies from year to year but is normally less between $25,000-$100,000. During the fiscal year, if a municipal department encounters an “extraordinary and unforeseen expense,” it can appeal to the Advisory Committee for a transfer from the reserve. Departments under the Board of Selectmen must first secure their approval on the request form before approaching the Advisory Committee.
A warrant article providing for financial transfers is normally considered at the Fall Town Meeting. As the functions and complexity of government have increased, it becomes more difficult to enact a spending plan at the Annual Town Meeting that anticipates all governmental activities and contingencies during an entire year. Financial transfers at the Fall Town Meeting allow the Town to make course adjustments for changes in state aid and other unanticipated developments since the Town Meeting in May.
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