Sunday, May 7, 2023

 From March 2021 financial review of Templeton by the Department of Revenue;

Templeton has not drafted a standalone bylaw
prohibiting elected officials from holding any
other elected or appointed town positions.
▪ Chapter 59, Article I, restricts board members
from serving in another elective capacity, and
Chapter 9, Article I, prohibits any advisory
committee member from holding another
elective or appointive position.
▪ Currently, select board members can and do
hold appointed positions within the town.

 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.

 Since all mail including email into the select board office are public records, anyone interested should make a formal public records request for email from the Department of Environmental Protection to MacVallee, LLC. Town of Templeton board of selectmen and Templeton board of health were cc'd. It is an interesting and informative read. It was in office as of March 29, 2023.