2005-01 2020 Budget Task Force Report

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community trust and involvement in government and places the town in a stronger position to forward override votes as warranted. This communication plan should include: revamp of the website Undergoing an extensive . On-going ownership should be A. established with an eye to insuring the website’s continued importance relative to other duties and to afford the website requisite attention. Examples of design improvements include but are not limited to a website design that reflects the needs of the end user. There might be different click-through for residential users versus commercial users for example. The website could also serve as a repository for questions and answers for the citizens and should have a contact link for direct email communication. Additionally, linkages should be provided to more detailed sources of information on each topic. B.email list server The creation of an to citizenry for updates on budget process, progress and meeting notification. C.A media plan that includes the use of the Minuteman and Colonial Times for disseminating budget information and meetings. D. educational forums Enlisting local organizations to sponsor (TMMA, PTA, League of Women Voters, Stand for Children) regularly scheduled and executed not just in override years. For example, the TMMA might host an annual budget discussion with question and answer that is open to the public. E. educational documents or The maintenance and strengthening of existing single-page fact sheets and creation of additional fact sheets as necessary. These could be made available in print and on the town website. Examples would include: Components and projections of revenues (e.g. real estate taxes, state funds,  fees…etc.) and operating expenditures. Role of Proposition 2 ½, overrides and debt exclusions.  Explanations of and projections for expenditures.  Explanation of Moody’s ratings.  F.budget document as a template The creation of a (such as that used by Andover or Newton) with greater detail for each department and with reader-friendly graphics which is consistently reproduced year-after-year. This insures the reader ease in making comparisons over time. G.community-wide letter from officials Distribution of a explaining in lay terms the proposed budget that is to be considered by Town Meeting. This letter would explain the town’s current fiscal position and articulate policy issues related to it.