Belmont Free Cash Boost and Petition Rule Changes

The Belmont Select Board hears good news on free cash, confronts how far behind the town is on financial reserves, and revises the rules for filing citizen petitions. The board also appoints a representative to the Massport Community Advisory Committee and backs funding to complete Belmont’s long-range comprehensive plan. 19mins

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Original Meeting

Monday, October 5th, 2026
5034.112
Select Board - 10/05/26
Full Meeting on TelVue
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Exec Director of Belmont Media Center
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In This Video
  • Town Administrator Garvin reported that the town’s free cash position appeared stable and favorable, noting that $1.3 million originally appropriated for a path project would instead flow into free cash due to lower-than-expected appraisal costs.
  • The Select Board heard an overview of the town’s reserve and free cash policies, comparing local reserves to other communities and proposing a working group to refine how reserve targets, rollover amounts, and special-purpose stabilization funds are defined going forward.
  • Select Board members discussed handling a citizen petition administratively, agreed to wait for a finalized Town Meeting motion before acting, and noted concerns about job description language that appeared inconsistent with state law.
  • The Select Board discussed the role of the Massport Community Advisory Committee and voted to appoint Michael Crowley to a one‑year term, emphasizing prior town service and the need for strong representation in a multi‑community setting.
  • Board Member Taylor presented a draft citizens petition policy that aligned procedures with state law, shifting where petitions were submitted, allowing year-round submission, clarifying certification by the Board of Registrars of Voters, and formally documenting the verification process.
  • The Select Board adopted an amended citizen petition policy that delegated day-to-day administrative details to the town administrator and staff.
  • The Select Board discussed Article 7 to appropriate $100,000 from free cash for consulting services to complete the town’s comprehensive plan, including an implementation chapter, and considered clarifying the motion language and annotated warrant description.
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