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Posted by Angel, Town of Industry, January 11, 2006:I was curious what other Towns do about paying their elected and appointed officials during January to March (for calendar year towns) before a budget has been approved at Town Meeting?  I have worked for two different small towns and they both do it differently.  The Town of Industry divides the amount of salary from March to March.  So the elected or appointed official still receives income during January and February.  The Town of Starks has the elected or appointed  official take all of their salary by December 31, the end of the year.  They are not allowed to collect any money from January to February until after Town Meeting.  I recently questioned MMA on how the Town of Starks Selectmen insist on doing their payroll and they would not answer me only the Selectmen on this issue.  Does anyone know what which way is correct are both ways okay?

Responses:

We have a warrant article at town meeting that authorizes us to spend funds from the beginning of the next fiscal year until the annual town meeting.  So, at the March 2006 meeting, we will be "given permission" to spend from January 07 until the date of the 2007 annual town meeting. (Ryan Pelletier, St. Agatha)

Most towns have a town meeting warrant article that authorizes the selectmen to spend funds for daily operations from January 1 - Town Meeting. (Nancy Hatch, Newburgh)

We have a warrant article that reads: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to expend such sums of money as may be required to carry on the Town affairs from the time the Town books close until the next annual Town meeting, such sums to be included in amounts appropriated for the next fiscal year, or take action thereon. (Alice Pearse, Searsmont)

Fryeburg's Example---"To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to spend an amount not to exceed 3/12's of the 200__ annual budget appropriations during the period From January 1, 200__ to the 200___ Town Meeting" (Phil Covelli, Fryeburg)

Thanks to those who have answered so quickly.  Both Towns do pass such an article at the annual town meetings.  One Town still refuses to pay anyone out of the 3/12 that they are allowed to spend! (Angel, Industry)

That would be illegal.  Better consult legal on that one. (Ryan Pelletier)

Check your Town Meeting Manual, there is a sample article that could be used that would solve the expenditure problems. (Eva Leavitt, Turner)

The selectmen do not have the authority to supercede the vote of the legislative body, which is the townspeople. The only time that an article can be "overturned" so to speak is when the article is found to be illegal. That is not the case in this situation, and besides, most towns, if not all, send their town meeting warrant to their legal rep to determine the legality of potential articles before town meeting. I would have a real issue if I was instructed to not pay someone's wages when it was voted on by the town. (Paula Clark, Newport)