07/31/2023 CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE Minutes

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3 *Monday, July 31, 2023 Charter Review Committee Minutes* Rodney Collins added that the School does have the ability to transfer funding from line items. The Committee discussed the definition of the last sentence of section 6-2(a) The School Committee shall not take its final vote on its proposed budget until all persons who desire to be heard concerning the budget proposal have had a reasonable opportunity to be heard. John Miller proposed revisiting the discussion. 6.3 Submission of Budget and Budget Message Mary Waygan recommended specifying May Town Meeting and October Town Meeting in the first sentence of 6.3. Cathy Lewis suggested using Spring Town Meeting. Rodney Collins said that there is language that suggest Financials be discussed in May. Cathy Lewis read the definition in section 2.4 Time of Meeting, which fixes the date and time of town meetings. The first to be held in March, April or May and the second shall be held on the last 4 calendar months. Rodney Collins stated his concern about the language regarding submission of the budget summary is that it doesn't address a major "crash" or emergency. John Miller proposed adding a disclaimer or annotation for emergency circumstances. The Town Manager explained what information is published for the Town budget, the specific departments are not listed but the specific accounts are listed in the line items. Greg McKelvey mentioned that each department meets with the Finance Committee in December and the line items are explained in detail. Department heads are questioned and can explain any changes in line items. The budget publication also includes a general summary "narrative" of the budget. The Committee further discussed not having an explanation of the funding source in the publication of the budget narrative. Don Myers believes the narrative for each department's budget should also be included in the publication. Citing publishing cost Rodney Collins said that he would refer to Town Counsel with regard to publishing the budget to a "digital newspaper" as well if the narratives were to be included. John Miller said a detailed narrative of the money source would clarify the budget and the Finance Committee should provide an explanation behind the rational of their recommendation. 6.5 Budget Mary Waygan asked who works with finance committee to assess tax rate.