Town Budgets

The Town Budget is how Great Barrington plans for the year ahead, delivers essential services, and invests in the community’s future. This page serves as a central hub for understanding how the Town’s budget is developed, adopted, monitored, and independently reviewed.

In Great Barrington, the budget process is grounded in the Town Charter and informed by local bylaws, financial policies, and governance practice. These provide the legal authority and organizational structure for how public finances are managed.

Whether you are a resident, business owner, board member, or community partner, this page is designed to make Town finances accessible, transparent, and easy to navigate.

Budget at a Glance

The Town Budget is a comprehensive financial plan that:

  • Identifies how public funds are raised

  • Allocates resources to Town services and programs

  • Supports infrastructure, staffing, and long-term planning

  • Reflects community priorities and policy direction

The budget is both a policy document and an operational roadmap, balancing current needs with long-term fiscal responsibility.

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Legal Basis for the Budget (Charter & Bylaws)

Town Charter Responsibilities

The Great Barrington Town Charter establishes the fundamental roles and responsibilities related to the budget process:

  • The Town Manager is designated as the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer and, as such, is responsible for preparing and submitting the proposed budget for the ensuing fiscal year to the Select Board and Finance Committee. This proposed budget must include estimates of all revenues and all expenditures, including both operating and capital items.  Click here to access the Town Charter

  • The Town Manager must also report an estimate of the tax levy required, including the probable tax rate needed to fund the budget. 

  • The Select Board is tasked with reviewing the Town Manager’s proposed budget and may make recommendations before it is considered by the Finance Committee and ultimately brought before Town Meeting.

Budget Framework & Governance Principles

The Charter and associated governance documents (bylaws, policies, and financial procedures) guide how the Town manages public funds:

Select Board Oversight

Under Town governance policies, the Select Board plays a central role in financial oversight. Among its responsibilities are:

  • Overseeing the preparation of the budget in coordination with the Town Manager and the Finance Committee

  • Calling Town Meetings and approving articles for the warrant

  • Participating in the annual budget development and review process with other boards and committees. eCode360

The Select Board also sets strategic direction and reviews departmental priorities that inform budget decisions.

Budget Policies & Financial Management

The Town has formal financial management and budget policies that shape the content and structure of the budget, such as how revenues are estimated, how funds are balanced, and how expenditures are controlled. These policies require that:

  • The annual operating budget be prepared in accordance with municipal code, applicable state law, and the Town’s financial policies

  • The budget includes complete financial statements showing anticipated revenues, available funds, expected expenditures, and projected tax rates

  • Revenues be approached conservatively and sustainably, and debt and reserves managed prudently.

These policies serve as the operational backbone of the budget and ensure adherence to the Town’s legal framework.


Annual Budget Timeline & Public Involvement

The Charter and financial policies call for a calendar of events that structure the annual budget cycle. These typically include:

  1. Budget Guidance Issued — The Town Manager issues guidance to departments, aligning departmental requests with policy goals.

  2. Departmental Budget Submissions — Departments submit detailed budget requests and forecasts.

  3. Select Board & Finance Committee Reviews — Proposed budgets are reviewed, refined, and discussed in public sessions.

  4. Public Hearings & Engagement — Residents have opportunities to offer input at public hearings and budget meetings.

  5. Town Meeting Consideration — Final budget proposals are placed before Town Meeting for approval, where voters may approve or amend spending and revenue articles.

This cycle supports transparency, understanding, and participation by residents and stakeholders.

Financial Reporting & Accountability

In addition to the budget itself, Great Barrington publishes financial reports and independent audits that evaluate how funds were used and ensure compliance with standards and laws. These include:

  • Annual Audit Reports

  • Management Letters 

  • Popular Annual Financial Reports (PAFR)

  • Monthly/quarterly financial updates

These documents help residents verify that the Town’s financial practices align with best practices, policies, and legal obligations.

Transparency & Resident Engagement

The Town of Great Barrington is committed to transparent, responsible budgeting — guided by the Charter, informed by policy, and shaped through public engagement. We encourage residents to:

  • Review budget documents and policies

  • Attend budget hearings and public meetings

  • Contact the Town Manager’s Office or Finance Department with questions or comments

Have Questions?

Residents with questions about the Town Budget are encouraged to contact the Town Manager’s Office or Finance Teams.

Your participation strengthens our shared governance and ensures that Great Barrington’s financial decisions reflect community values.