The Barrington Charter Review Commission recently invited Michael Marcello, Esq. to provide background information about other Rhode Island towns that have recently changed from a Financial Town Meeting format to a different approach, and to discuss the experiences, processes, and challenges that those communities faced.

The discussion touched on the examples of Tiverton, Coventry, Scituate, Bristol, Westerly and other towns. The Commission also received research previously completed by Town Solicitor Michael Ursillo and Assistant Solicitor Peter Skwirz for the Town Council outlining alternatives to the FTM, as well as a comprehensive compilation of the budget authority provisions for all Rhode Island cities and towns.

The discussion also included the value of public participation in the budget process; the challenge of disseminating accurate and timely information to voters; the levels of accountability for different boards and commissions; the importance of having a mechanism for citizen-initiated safety checks included in the budget process; the implications of having elected versus appointed officials deciding on the budget; and the latitude the Charter Review Commission has in designing a new proposal for Barrington to consider. 

All of these issues and more will be considered more fully as the CRC continues its deliberations.

The Commission also stressed the importance of soliciting public input in the Charter review process, especially as it relates to possible changes to the FTM. 

A survey has been designed to gather ideas and feedback from Barrington residents; a postcard will be sent to every household in town with a link to the online survey. 

In addition, the CRC website https://www.barrington.ri.gov/452/Charter-Review-Commission contains documentation related to the process, including a copy of the Town Charter, agendas and minutes from CRC meetings, links to video recordings of CRC meetings, and other information. 

All CRC meetings are open to the public (including broadcast livestream via Zoom). And an email address -- barringtoncharterreview@gmail.com -- has been established for residents to communicate directly to the CRC to share their ideas and comments.

The next meeting is Wednesday, Nov. 15, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Barrington Middle School (Global Classroom, located on the second floor, in the back of the library). The meeting will be streamed live via Zoom as well (viewing only).