Finance Committee

About the Members

There shall be a Finance Committee consisting of seven registered voters of the Town appointed by the Moderator at the annual town meeting. The term of office of each member shall be for three years, and the terms of office of the members shall be so arranged that as nearly an equal number of terms as is possible shall expire each year. Whenever a vacancy occurs on the committee the Moderator shall fill the vacancy for the unexpired term. No member shall hold any other elective or appointive town office or be employed by the Town. The terms of office of the members of the committee holding office on the effective date of this section shall not be affected by the provisions of this section.

About the Committee

The Finance Committee shall meet, choose its own officers, and adopt such rules and orders affecting its government as may from time to time be necessary. Minutes of all meetings shall be kept and retained for public inspection.

The Finance Committee shall do the following responsibilities:

  • Consider matters relating to the appropriation and expenditure of money by the Town, its indebtedness, and the administration of its various departments
  • Make reports and recommendations to the Town
  • Submit a budget at each annual town meeting

The Budget Process

The Budget process takes place throughout the year. The Finance Director and Town Administrator confers with department heads, boards and committees to develop specific budget proposals which they feel will best meet the needs of the Town of Charlton for the upcoming fiscal year. From these meetings a draft budget is formulated by the Finance Director and Town Administrator and presented to the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee for discussion and review.

Throughout the year Finance Committee meetings are held continually on a combination schedule and as needed basis, but always prior to any Town Meetings. All meetings comply with Open Meeting Law, which means they are posted in advance and are open to any member of the public.