Description of Services

The Finance Committee works closely with the Board of Selectmen, as well as all departments and boards.  It is an advisory committee, which may: develop financial forecasts, establish an appropriate budget and capital planning process, develop joint guidelines by which departmental requests will be reviewed, conduct joint budget hearings with department heads, establish policies regarding the use of free cash and the stabilization fund, consider the available financial resources of the municipality, develop a position on the budget, establish policy priorities and provide leadership in the constant debate between the needs of municipal departments (for sufficient resources to deliver public services) and the needs of the taxpayers (to receive adequate services at a cost they can afford).

 

Contact Information

Additional Information

Finance Committee Mission Statement

The Finance Committee shall be concerned with all matters involving the finances and financial procedures of the Town of Townsend, as required by Massachusetts General Laws and the Town Charter. The Committee makes recommendations on all financial matters, advises the Town Meeting on expenditures and reviews the budget for each fiscal year.  Its goals are to:

1. Understand department responsibilities and performance.
2. Analyze department budgets and anticipate future needs.
3. Recommend a balanced budget for the delivery of town services to the Town.

4. Keep the Town financially solvent.