11/05/2020 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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5 Finance Committee Minutes November 5, 2020 Review of Town Meeting and Finance Committee's operation leading up to it: (continued) It was agreed the overall process is somewhat rushed, and with some articles,the Finance Committee has no forewarning of new articles that may be presented. In accordance with the mandates of the Town Charter, the Finance Committee is required to give an opinion on articles of the warrant. In assembling explanations for the Finance Committee Report on the Articles of the Warrant it was determined that language may include additional comments if there is a dissenting point of view. And further to make the report clear and concise in the event the Finance Committee would vote to take no position,the reasoning thereof would be included in the explanation. In some cases there may be no financial implications to a particular article. Overall the Town and its Finance Committee are moving forward steadfast. The comments and review of the operational procedure will better refine the process. Review of proposed Finance Committee meeting schedule: The Finance Committee reviewed the proposed meeting schedule through May 2021. It was noted that April 19, 2021 is the target date for the Finance Committee to deliver the Report of the Finance Committee on the Articles of the Warrant to the voters. The date of April 26, 2021 is the deadline for the printer to accommodate the printing for the report. A copy of the meeting schedule will be forwarded by the Finance Committee Chair to the Selectmen Board Chair with a request to be recognized at the Selectmen's Meetings in March during budget discussions. Discussion—What would improve our ability to meet our obligations as we move toward the next Town Meeting? To improve upon the Finance Committee's ability to meet obligations moving forward to the May 2021 Town Meeting it was agreed that joint meetings with the Select Board during budget discussions are worthy. A goal of the Finance Committee is to have at minimum, the Finance Committee liaison or a member of the Finance Committee attend the Department Head meetings during the budget process and bring forth the information to the full committee. To follow protocol and for time management questions will go through the Finance Committee Chair in advance of meetings. It was suggested the Finance Committee review the profit/loss on this year's budget. It was also suggested the committee seek ways to engage the public and the press in attending meetings including public hearings.