What opportunities exist for the selectmen and the Finance Committee to work jointly?

There are many opportunities for cooperation between the board of selectmen and the finance committee including the following: developing financial forecasts, establishing an appropriate budget and capital planning process, developing joint guidelines by which departmental requests will be reviewed, joint budget hearings with department heads and policies regarding the use of free cash and the stabilization fund.

It makes sense for the two committees to work together closely. By agreeing on processes and procedures ahead of time, both boards will save time and can avoid disagreements during the budget process.