GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The town invites public participation in the upcoming budget planning for Fiscal Year 2022 with virtual meeting technology.

 

Town officials are encouraging residents to join in upcoming budget meetings in order to be well-informed as Annual Town Meeting season approaches in the spring.

 

"A great deal of work goes into our town's financial decision-making, and this year it will be easier than ever to be informed and involved early in the process,” said Town Manager Mark Pruhenski. "With more participation and awareness during our planning work, we can have a more efficient annual meeting in June.”

 

Budget planning happens during joint meetings of the Select Board and Finance Committee. Elected officials decide on priorities for the upcoming year. Meetings, which are posted on the town website calendar, take place over the course of five nights beginning on Feb. 16, 17, 24 and March 2, at 6:30 p.m. 

 

The final budget hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, March 30 when the Select Board and Finance Committee vote on the FY 2022 budget to be presented at the Annual Town Meeting. 

 

Interested participants can visit the calendar on the town website, to view the meeting schedule. Agenda details and online access links are typically updated a week or so before each meeting.

 

"There should be no mystery about the town's financial planning and decision-making, and technology is making this even easier,” said Selectboard Chair Stephen Bannon. "We hope people will join us to ask questions, provide feedback and become informed.”