The document summarizes a 2005 financial management review of the town. It finds that the town lacks a central authority for financial analysis and budget coordination. It recommends creating a full-time town manager position to address financial management issues and the 26 recommendations from the review. Currently, financial and personnel duties fall to the part-time board of selectmen. A town manager could provide consistent professional management experience, centralize authority, and improve communication and accountability.

2. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REVIEW 2005
. “[A]n independent review…could be extremely
helpful to us as we try to manage in these very tight
fiscal times.” – Board of Selectmen

3. Division of Local Services - Findings
 Success in difficult financial times depends on the Town’s
ability to prepare for and respond to monetary
fluctuations with appropriate solutions and adequate
explanations to voters.
 Currently, there is no position in Town with the central
authority to perform financial analysis for informed
decisions by policy makers
 There needs to be a full time position to initiate budget
formulation, coordinate efforts to address important
issues and provide follow-through

4. Division of Local Services - Findings
 In particular, the Board of Selectmen assumes many of
these duties that should not be performed by a part-time
policy making board
 Coordination and Communication between departments
is lacking
 Management of Employees – personnel administration
Performance reviews, HR trainings, etc.

5. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REVIEW 2005
 26 Recommendations
 All but 9 have been addressed
 6 of the 9 relate to a Town Manager
*Create the position
* Develop a budget bylaw
*Establish a performance review program
* Undertake a salary survey
* Produce annual reports
* Centralize Technology Admin. & Budget

6. Current Government Structure
 3 Member Board of Selectmen
 Elected Town Treasurer
 Elected Board of Assessors (3 members)
 Appointed Town Accountant
 Appointed Finance Committee (9members/2 currently
appointed)
 Elected Tax Collector

7. Duties & Responsibilities of the Board of
Selectmen
 Chief Executives
 Goals
 Policy
 Local Licensing Board for Alcohol Permits, Special Permits
 Prepare Town Meeting Warrants
 Appointments

8. Limitations of Current Structure
 Part time
 Lack of professional management experience
 No central authority
 Disconnect between departments

9. Questions to Consider
 Fiscal Management
 Accountability
 Inconsistent Authority
 Common Voice
 Professional Management

10. What is a Town Manager
 Appointed by the Board of Selectmen
 3 Year Term
 Possess at least an MPA or MBA plus experience
 Responsible for the day to day operation of the Town
 Formulate a budget for review and recommendation by
the Selectmen and Finance Committee
 Chief Procurement Officer
 Recommend appointments to the Board of Selectmen
 Represent the Town at public meetings when needed

11. What are the Costs/Benefits of a Town
Manager?
 Average salary $400/day plus benefits
 Freetown has a PT Town Manager
 Professional Management
 Central Authority

12. Process to Adopt Town Manager
 This is still a work in progress and must be decided by
Town Council and the Board of Selectmen
 Most likely by Special Legislation since we do not have a
charter

13. Questions?