Dedham Moderator Lays Out Town Meeting Structure in Civic Education Video

DEDHAM -- May 8, 2023, Dedham Town Meeting Moderator Dan Driscoll recorded a civic education overview of the town's legislative process for community access TV. Driscoll explained that Dedham holds two Town Meetings annually, one in May and one in the fall, each governed by a Warrant prepared by the Select Board listing every Article to be voted on. He outlined the role of the Finance and Warrant Committee, a nine-member appointed citizen body that reviews all non-planning Articles and issues recommendations, emphasizing that "the final decisions are made by Town Meeting." The Planning Board handles review of zoning and land use Articles. Driscoll also described the responsibilities of the Town Clerk, Town Manager, School Committee, and Superintendent in preparing the annual budget that ultimately comes before Town Meeting members for a binding vote.