from the most recent copy of the Board of Selectmen Handbook, put together and published by the Massachusetts Municipal Association. Selectmen should read this!

The town meeting can have a great deal of control over department heads. The town meeting can, for example, investigate town problems or administration through its finance committee, other standing committees or special ad hoc committees. On the basis of findings and recommendations by such committees, or on the petition of ten or more local voters, the town meeting may adopt resolutions and bylaws establishing new town policies or initiating new programs [G.L. c. 39, §10]. The town meeting can also, within certain limits, reorganize town agencies and control development in the town. The most important power of town meeting is the power of the purse. By appropriating or withholding funds, the town meeting can force, prevent or influence actions by town officials and departments.

Unhappy with Town Administrator - with hold the cash! Unhappy with a department, withhold the cash. Want to see the spending of your money in more detail, demand and vote for a line item budget for the next fiscal year. It is the power of the purse.

Remember, in Templeton, the Advisory Committee (Finance Committee) belongs to you, not the selectmen or the Town Administrator. It states that in the handbook of the Board of Selectmen!