BRATTLEBORO — The town Finance Committee needs new blood, or it's done for.
The committment is, of course, for as long as one wishes but please intend to stay with it for a year at least.
The general M.O. is monthly meetings until October when budget meetings begin for the town and school. At that point there may be two a month and by December, the most intense period, maybe three or four per month. By mid- to late January it's pretty much finished again until after March elections.
The first six months is basically a period of committee self-education. We usually meet with the town finance director, who keeps us filled in and answers questions. In fact, to a large extent, the role of the committee is simply to ask every question we can and try and understand every issue and problem, as well as make recommendations. We are the eyes and ears of Joe and Jane Citizen.
It is, of course, very helpful to know something about accounting principles and economics, but frankly, at this level, one can go as far as one wants with general intelligence, thoughtfulness, and fair powers of deduction.
The Finance Committee provides a quite intimate picture of much of the inner workings of the town. It is a very important place to spend some time if one imagines being involved in municipal affairs, especially as a potential Selectboard member. It is also a place that soon reveals how few of our vocal pundits have an understanding of town finances, or finances in general.
The committee survived for two years on the labors of just four people, but it really needs five or six at least to ease the burden during budget season.
Budgets are basically the same everywhere, especially in New England, and in all towns about our size no matter where they are. There are no mysteries and little that is unique.
I hope to hear soon from some of you out there. It's best to be a Brattleboro resident but a non-resident or two can be accommodated.