TempletonAdvisory Committee members voted to approve a letter to the Select Board recommending an immediate temporary halt on discretionary or nonessential expenditures until the new Town Administrator can review the town's financial position.
The approved language removes a clause that would have exempted purchases already included in current department budgets; members said the original phrasing would have allowed departments to continue discretionary spending simply because the line item existed. The revised directive reads as a clear, temporary halt on discretionary or nonessential expenditures while essential services (public safety, sanitation, utilities) continue with minimal disruption and with exceptions for ongoing contracts and grant obligations.
"We need to do a hiring freeze and a spending freeze, like, immediately," one member said, arguing the town must establish a baseline before new hires or discretionary outlays proceed. Members noted the motion provides the new Town Administrator and the Select Board "wiggle room" for necessary exemptions but insisted the temporary halt is needed so the incoming administrator can assess where money should be prioritized.
Motion and vote: Liz moved to approve the letter with the modification (striking the phrase "not included in the current town budget"); April seconded the motion and the committee approved the letter by roll call. The advisory chair will place the letter on advisory letterhead and members will sign it for transmittal to the Select Board.
Why it matters: Committee members said the town lacks clear consolidated financial information following recent staff turnover and that a temporary, targeted hold on discretionary spending will give the incoming Town Administrator time to establish a clear baseline for budgeting.
Next steps: Liz will finalize the letter on advisory letterhead; members will sign and forward it to the Select Board, and the advisory office will track Select Board receipt and response.