Many residents who have attended Town Meeting are familiar with the table at the front of the auditorium where members of the Advisory Committee sit during the meeting. But how did they get to be seated there, and what purpose does the Committee serve in the larger function of our town government?
The Advisory Committee, first named the Finance Committee when it was created by the voters in March, 1934, is responsible for overseeing the town financial plans and making recommendations on proposed actions. (The Committee's name was changed to "Advisory" at a later Town meeting). The nine Board members are required to meet weekly in the 90 days prior to the spring and fall Town Meetings for the purpose of reviewing department budgets, asking questions of the Department, Board or Committee chair, and making recommendations to the Select Board as the final budget is prepared each year. The Town Manager, Bill Chenard, has the responsibility of establishing the initial budgets, and working with the department heads on any modifications. Mr. Chenard presents the finalized numbers to a joint meeting of Advisory and the Select Board in February, and then Advisory meets with the department heads in the months leading up to the Spring Town Meeting (held the second Tuesday in May), continuing until the publication of the warrant. Advisory and the Select Board make their own recommendations on the budget lines, and the ultimate decision is made by the citizens of Pembroke at Town Meeting.
While most of the budget work happens during the creation of the annual budget in the spring, the Advisory Committee is active throughout the year to ensure any issues are addressed quickly and that the Town's spending is in line with the decision of the voters of Pembroke.
If you would like to know more about the Advisory Committee, you can read about them at the Town of Pembroke website here: https://www.pembroke-ma.gov/1789/Advisory-Committee
