Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
The Association of Town Finance Committees was founded in 1934 and joined the MMA as an affiliate group in 1979. The ATFC publishes The Massachusetts Finance Committee Handbook, organizes educational and professional meetings for finance committee members, and provides, through its affiliation with the MMA, an avenue for member towns and their committee members to influence state government policies that affect municipalities.
ATFC Membership
ATFC members account for most of the state’s 292 towns. The association’s goal is to have all eligible Massachusetts town finance committees as members. Membership entitles finance committees to the digital copy of the Massachusetts Finance Committee Handbook, a member rate to attend the ATFC Annual Meeting, and free trainings during the year.
ATFC Mission Statement
Town Meeting is a centuries-old practice but yet a modern forum for local government legislation in New England. A local Finance Committee, by tradition and statute, is a select group of citizens that advise each Town Meeting on the probity, practicality and value of any of the matters before the Meeting. The Association of Town Finance Committees is a statewide Massachusetts organization dedicated to enhancing the role of finance committees in local government through professional standards, education programs and inter-town networking.
ATFC History
The Association of Town Finance Committees was founded by Danforth Comins of Brookline, who served as its executive secretary from 1944 to 1959. Stuart DeBard of Hingham served in that role from 1960 to 1994. Since 1994, the MMA has provided administrative and professional support to the ATFC.
The Massachusetts Finance Committee Handbook covers the basic roles and responsibilities of finance committee members as well as complex issues. It is designed to assist all members of finance committees and provides useful information to other local officials who are involved in municipal finance and budget matters. [Learn more]
ATFC elects new officers at 1st session of its Annual Meeting – Oct. 26, 2021
ATFC discusses how FinComs can boost their positive impact in towns – May 20, 2021
Local leaders discuss town meetings and elections during COVID – June 3, 2020
ATFC holds webinar exploring municipal budget implications of COVID – April 29, 2020
Presentation materials from the ATFC Annual Meeting, Oct. 26, 2019
If you are a Finance Committee member in Massachusetts, contact Senior Member Program Coordinator Denise Baker at the MMA by using the form below or calling 617-426-7272, ext. 105.
for Selectmen
Directors:
Dana DeCosta, Harwich
Jonathan Harris, Weston
Past Presidents: John Trickey, Pelham; Brian Boyle, Bolton; Ira Miller, Sharon
Have a question about the ATFC, the role of Finance Committees, or town government? Contact Senior Member Program Coordinator Denise Baker using this form.