ATFC elects new officers at 1st session of its Annual Meeting

The Association of Town Finance Committees held the first session of its three-part Annual Meeting on Oct. 21.

The webinar opened with the association’s business meeting and election. After serving for two years as president, Bolton Advisory Board Member Brian Boyle will be replaced by Pelham Finance Committee Chair John Trickey, who had been serving as first vice president.

The other incoming ATFC officers and directors are:
• First vice president: Melinda Tarsi of Mansfield
• Second vice president: Kevin Sullivan of Hanson
• Treasurer: Allan Tosti of Arlington
• Directors: Bernard Pigeon of Wareham; Mary Ellen Fletcher of Swampscott; Jonathan Harris of Weston; Jeremy Marsette of Medfield; and Mary McBride of Billerica.

There is still one vacancy on the board. Anyone is interested in serving should contact Denise Baker at dbaker@mma.org.

The featured speaker was MMA Legislative Director Dave Koffman, who gave an overview of the work of the MMA Legislative team and updates on important state and federal budget and legislative issues.

Members were most interested in learning more about the American Rescue Plan Act, and Koffman gave an overview, highlighting the four eligible uses for funding: addressing the public health emergency and/or the negative impacts of the pandemic; revenue loss replacement; premium pay for essential workers; and investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.

Members were interested in discussing the role of finance committees with making decisions on ARPA spending. Since most communities are in the process of determining how to spend their funds, this is an opportunity for finance and capital committees to explore using funding for capital projects. An example given was to use funding for water and sewer expansion on new building or renovation projects. The ATFC and the MMA are keeping an eye on how towns are using ARPA funds and will continue to share this information.