Dedham Deputy Moderator Explains Annual Municipal Budget Timeline to Residents

DEDHAM -- May 8, 2023, Dedham Deputy Moderator outlines the town's annual budget process in a public presentation. Charlene Sheehan, a Precinct 6 Town Meeting member serving as Deputy Moderator, walked attendees through the full budget cycle at the May 8 Town Meeting session, beginning with December requests from department heads and the Superintendent of Schools and ending with final votes by Town Meeting representatives each spring or fall. Sheehan noted that each warrant budget line item carries three distinct figures, what the department head requested, what the Town Manager recommends, and what the Finance and Warrant Committee recommends, and that the full warrant is mailed to all representatives, published in the Dedham Times, and posted on the town website. She also highlighted a "mini town meeting" held by precinct chairs one week before Town Meeting convenes, giving representatives a final opportunity to ask questions before voting. No formal votes were taken at the session.