The new Town Administrator, Tony, made his first official appearance before the Finance Committee on Thursday, signaling a shift toward aggressive data transparency and announcing a deep-dive audit into the town’s Affordable Housing Trust and revolving accounts. Describing the relationship between his office and the committee as a team effort, Tony pledged to move away from past administrative frictions by providing real-time financial data and clear budget projections.

Member Peter Hughes welcomed the change in tone, recalling a previous environment where information was tightly controlled. We had a Town Administrator who was paranoid and didn't want information released unless he personally handed it over, Hughes remarked, noting that some department heads were previously forbidden from interacting with the committee. In response to long-standing concerns regarding 204 Sisson Road and the Affordable Housing Trust, Tony confirmed he is directing auditors to scrutinize specific accounts. I am asking auditors to look at specific things: cash controls, an audit of all revolving accounts, and a detailed audit of the Affordable Housing Trust, Tony said, adding that he intends to conduct a bottom-up review of all town spending.

Vice Chair Scott Norum pressed for the long-elusive five-year operating forecast, an item he said he had never seen one, despite requirements. Tony promised to post the forecast to the town website immediately and noted that a new sources and uses presentation is in development to clarify debt service. Norum emphasized the urgency of this data, stating the town needs to understand the impact of $50 million in capital projects on the operating budget over the next five years.

The committee also reviewed the first draft of the FY27-FY30 Capital Outlay Plan, which projects a steady $50 million expenditure over the next four years. While the Saquatucket bulkhead project was downgraded from a full replacement to a $2 million repair—a move that saved $7 million—Member Dana DeCosta noted the plan still includes significant recurring expenses that should ideally be in the operating budget. This is the best capital plan I have seen in a decade, DeCosta said, though he warned against using revolving fund revenue for operational items. Chair Robert MacCready cautioned that taxpayers should maintain the final say on large projects, stating his bent is not to use a lot of Free Cash for capital because the taxpayers should make those decisions via borrowing votes.

Broader infrastructure costs also drew scrutiny, particularly the town’s $500 million Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan. Vice Chair Norum called for the resurrection of the Wastewater Technical Review Committee to explore more affordable alternatives to sewering. If there are less expensive methods to remove nitrogen, we have an intense interest in exploring them, Norum said, urging the town to re-evaluate the default plan before committing to the next massive phase of construction.

Member Mark Peterson, citing his corporate auditing background, questioned the town’s interim reporting metrics and the visibility of taxpayer dollars. Tony suggested the town may eventually adopt Visual Budget software to allow residents to see exactly how their tax bills are distributed. Member Daniel Tworek inquired about the adequacy of internal controls, prompting Tony to confirm he is currently assessing how cash moves at the beach and transfer station and reviewing the separation of duties within departments. Regarding the regional outlook, Member Tina Games expressed a desire to use the new five-year forecast to build a bridge with the Monomoy School Committee, while Member Michele Gallucci suggested annual stakeholder meetings to align the town's budget timeline with the school district's projections.

In procedural business, the committee ensured all administrative records were up to date. Motion Made by P. Hughes to approve the minutes for October 9th and October 16th. Motion Passed (7-0-0). The committee also authorized payments for professional development through the Association of Town Finance Committees. Motion Made by P. Hughes to authorize the chair to approve three invoices for $65 each for the ATFC meeting. Motion Passed (7-0-0).