Budget Committee

MISSION

To advise the Board of Selectmen and the School Board on matters related to the preparation of their respective operating budgets and other appropriations.

VISION

To assist the boards in developing budgets which provide adequate and affordable levels of services.

PURPOSE

The Budget Committee provides a ‘checks and balance’ service for the voters by reviewing and making recommendations on the proposed appropriations. The committee, thereby, validates the general direction set by the respective boards.

PROCESS

The Budget Committee will confer with the governing bodies, other officers, and department heads relative to the estimated expenditures and anticipated revenues for the coming budget year. The Board of Selectmen and School Board will make available all information and all personnel mutually deemed necessary to inform the committee. Upon completion of a series of meetings, the committee will make recommendations to the boards. Recommendations must be favorably voted on by the majority of the committee.

All votes taken by the committee regarding Town budget items or warrant articles will be recorded votes notating whether or not that appropriation is recommended, and the numerical tally of each such vote will be printed on the Town Warrant next to the affected article. (RSA 32:5, V-a) [adopted in Littleton in 2009]

All meetings of the committee are subject to the NH Right to Know Law and, therefore, must be open to the public and properly posted, with minutes taken and made available to the public within five days. (RSA 91-A)

MEMBERSHIP

The Budget Committee will consist of an odd number of members not to exceed nine. There are no specific criteria for membership. The duration of a term is three years. Positions that are vacant or due for reappointment will be advertised to the public for a period of at least two weeks. Members must be willing and able to attend numerous meetings in the fall and winter months when the budgets are being developed. Members should attend at least one seminar on municipal budgets. Members will be appointed or reappointed annually by the Board of Selectmen.