From the March 2021 Financial Review of Templeton by the MA Dept. of Revenue.

Develop a policy restricting future revenue use and onetime revenues.

We recommend Templeton develop a policy that

places restrictions on the use of new revenues. For

example, when the town anticipates above-average

levy growth it should consider it like one-time

revenue. This is because it may not be sustained, and

it provides the opportunity to invest in or save for

capital needs.

Over the last couple years, tax levy growth has more

than doubled due to the explosion of new

construction. Because Templeton consistently levies

to its maximum allowable capacity, without a disciplined plan, it will use the new revenue to cover

general operating expenses.

Templeton must be vigilant each year and find

creative ways to restrict future revenue use. This is

an ongoing exercise that decision makers must revisit

annually.