The need for enhanced financial oversight for the school department emerged as a central issue, with concerns voiced about the adequacy of current processes following the departure of a key financial role. The committee discussed the potential benefits of hiring a consultant to bridge the gap until a permanent replacement is secured. Participants expressed that relying on the superintendent for financial management tasks is impractical, especially in light of past issues where disorganized financial reporting led to significant challenges. The phrase “garbage in, garbage out” was used to underscore the risks associated with poor data management, emphasizing the importance of accurate and organized financial oversight.

A discussion on budget projections highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of both income and expenses. Members stressed the need to grasp sources of income, including grants and reserve funds. The committee considered whether they could request the hiring of an interim consultant for the school board and discussed the possibility of a finance committee member being involved in the hiring process for the new financial position. Although the superintendent holds the responsibility for hiring decisions, maintaining open communication with them was deemed critical.

In addition to addressing financial oversight, the committee reflected on the town’s broader budget planning strategies. The discussion covered strategic foresight regarding departmental growth, particularly the potential expansion of the recreation director’s role and the addition of a fire department shift. The police department, meanwhile, planned to maintain its current staffing levels. Members suggested working with a designated individual to document these planning discussions as departments begin preparing budgets for the next fiscal year.

The committee also examined the town’s finance policies, compiled under a grant from the Division of Local Services. This comprehensive document, spanning about 90 pages, includes potentially outdated sections that may no longer align with the town’s current operations. The group debated whether to remove irrelevant sections while ensuring that capital planning elements still receive necessary input. Plans to review the document in sections during successive meetings were proposed.

Another topic involved revisiting historical school budget data. Although a committee member expressed gratitude for a connection made with the previous superintendent to access requested data, the information had yet to be fulfilled. With the previous superintendent no longer in the role, efforts shifted to collaborating with the new superintendent, who expressed a commitment to increased transparency and trust within the school department. The committee stressed the importance of understanding fund flows, as the majority of the budget relates to internally managed staff expenses and has been presented inconsistently in the past.

Concerns were raised about the visibility of various revenue streams, such as grants and revolving accounts, which have not been adequately reported. This lack of clarity could lead to unforeseen service cuts, directly impacting essential services like student meal programs. The committee acknowledged the need for thorough financial oversight, particularly due to the absence of a dedicated finance manager within the school department. The possibility of the town’s finance manager temporarily stepping in until a new school finance manager is hired was discussed, with concerns about the current school leadership’s expertise in financial management.

Focusing on municipal infrastructure, the committee reported on a municipal building design committee meeting that addressed the next steps following the failure of a recent town hall renovation proposal. The need for long-term planning for town buildings, including Turkey Hill and the primary school, was emphasized. One member referenced a previous spreadsheet projecting building needs over several decades, highlighting the necessity of such foresight due to the high costs associated with school construction.

The implications of prevailing wage laws on construction costs were also mentioned, with suggestions to bring these topics to the attention of state legislators, despite potential resistance. In terms of future actions, the committee discussed upcoming finance policies and the need to streamline budget submission timelines to avoid last-minute meetings. Aligning on discussion topics before attending tri-board meetings was suggested to encourage diverse input from all members.