Select Board requests state DLS financial management review of town operations

SUDBURY — October 22, 2024 — Sudbury Select Board authorizes free state financial review as ARPA deadline looms. The board on Oct. 22 unanimously authorized Town Manager Andy Sheehan to request a Division of Local Services financial management review, expected to inform fiscal 2027 budget planning rather than the closer fiscal 2026 cycle because of state backlog. Member Lisa Kouchakdjian pressed for the review to address the town's "strong town manager form of government" and how the Select Board, town manager and Finance Committee divide budget responsibilities. Sheehan disclosed Oct. 8 executive-session ratifications of police lieutenants' and police sergeants' contracts, the third and fourth of seven units to settle. Finance Director Victor Garofalo reported a 13.34 percent return on town trust funds in fiscal 2024 and presented an increase in the Goodnow Library trust spending cap from $25,000 to $35,000. Unallocated ARPA funds stand at just over $87,000 with the Fire Station 2 closeout still pending.