According to Sections I-13 & I-14 of the Town Bylaws, the Finance Committee shall be composed of nine members, the term of office to be three years. No action shall be taken at any meeting appropriating or involving the expenditure of money, the creation of a debt or the disposal of property of the Town, except under Chapter II, Section 19 of the Town Bylaws, until the proposition has been referred to the Finance Committee, a public hearing held, and a report made thereon.
Independent Fiscal Review for the Town of Ludlow
Overview
The Finance Committee serves as the Town of Ludlow’s independent fiscal advisory committee. The Committee reviews municipal budgets, financial policies, capital expenditures, and warrant articles with financial implications, providing recommendations to Town Meeting and Town officials.
Acting as fiscal stewards on behalf of Ludlow residents, the Committee works to promote transparency, accountability, and long-term financial sustainability.
The Committee’s authority and responsibilities are established under the Town Bylaws and Massachusetts General Laws.
Responsibilities
The Finance Committee:
- Reviews the annual Town operating budget
- Evaluates departmental budget requests
- Reviews capital improvement requests
- Participates in the Town’s Capital Planning Process
- Analyzes articles presented to Town Meeting involving expenditures or borrowing
- Conducts public hearings on financial matters
- Makes recommendations to Town Meeting
- Reviews fiscal policies and financial practices
- Assists in long-range financial planning
- Promotes responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds
Committee Members
Finance Committee members are appointed and re-appointed by the Town Moderator. Members serve as appointed members of the Committee and are not elected officials of the Town of Ludlow.
| Position | Member |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Chad Mullin |
| Vice Chairperson | Michael Kelliher |
| Member | Susan Boyea |
| Member | Michael Kelley |
| Member | Aneta Lombardi |
| Member | Vacant |
| Member | Vacant |
| Member | Vacant |
| Member | Vacant |
Committee membership is updated as appointments and vacancies change.
Meeting Information
Regular Meeting Schedule
The Finance Committee meets monthly on the third Wednesday at 6:00 PM.
Additional meetings or changes to the regular schedule may occur when necessary and will be posted by the Town.
Location
Ludlow Town Hall
488 Chapin Street
Ludlow, MA 01056
Meeting rooms may vary within Town Hall. Residents should check the individual meeting notice for the specific room.
Recent Town meeting postings, for example, identify the 3rd Floor Conference Room at Town Hall as the meeting venue.
Public Attendance
Finance Committee meetings are open to the public.
Residents are welcome to attend meetings and listen to the Committee’s discussions and deliberations. The Committee does not have a general public comment period as part of its regular meetings.
When the Committee conducts a formal public hearing, information regarding that hearing and opportunities for public participation will be included in the meeting notice.
Budget Process
Annual Budget Review
Each year, the Finance Committee conducts a detailed review of the proposed Town budget.
This process may include:
- Department budget presentations
- Revenue projections
- Capital request review
- Review of financial implications of proposed expenditures
- Public hearings, when required
- Committee recommendations
- Town Meeting consideration
The Finance Committee’s review provides Town Meeting with an independent fiscal perspective as residents consider the Town’s annual spending plan.
Capital Planning
The Finance Committee participates in the Town’s Capital Planning Process.
Capital planning looks beyond the annual operating budget to identify and prioritize significant long-term investments, such as:
- Buildings and facilities
- Major equipment
- Vehicles
- Infrastructure
- Major repairs and improvements
- Other significant capital expenditures
Participation in the capital planning process allows financial considerations to be evaluated alongside the Town’s long-term operational and infrastructure needs.
Understanding Your Tax Dollars
The Finance Committee reviews financial matters affecting many areas of Town government, including:
- Municipal services
- Public safety
- Public works
- Schools
- Parks & Recreation
- Debt service
- Capital projects
The Committee’s role is to examine the financial implications of these services and investments and provide recommendations as part of the Town’s overall budget and Town Meeting process.
Helpful Financial Terms
Operating Budget
The annual funding plan for Town services and day-to-day municipal operations.
Capital Budget
Funding for major equipment, buildings, infrastructure, and other significant long-term investments.
Free Cash
Certified funds available after year-end accounting and financial obligations have been addressed and certified by the appropriate authority.
Proposition 2½
Massachusetts law that limits the amount by which a municipality’s property tax levy may increase from year to year, subject to certain provisions and exclusions.
Vacancies & Service Opportunities
The Finance Committee periodically has vacancies for appointed positions.
Ludlow residents may apply for open Finance Committee vacancies.
Individuals with an interest or experience in areas such as:
- Municipal finance
- Budgeting
- Accounting
- Business management
- Financial planning
- Public service
may be interested in serving on the Committee.
Appointments and re-appointments are made by the Town Moderator.
Residents interested in a vacancy should monitor the Town’s vacancy announcements or contact the appropriate Town office for information about the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Finance Committee do?
The Finance Committee reviews financial matters affecting the Town and provides recommendations to Town Meeting and Town officials.
Does the Finance Committee set tax rates?
No.
The Finance Committee reviews budgets and financial proposals and makes recommendations. It does not establish the Town’s property tax rate.
Who appoints Finance Committee members?
Finance Committee members are appointed and re-appointed by the Town Moderator.
Are Finance Committee members elected officials?
No.
Finance Committee members are appointed members of the Committee and are not elected officials of the Town of Ludlow.
Can residents attend Finance Committee meetings?
Yes.
Finance Committee meetings are open to the public. Residents are welcome to attend and listen to the Committee’s discussions and deliberations.
The Committee does not have a general public comment period at its regular meetings.
How can I serve on the Finance Committee?
Ludlow residents may apply when vacancies become available. Appointments and re-appointments are made by the Town Moderator.
Agendas & Minutes
Meeting agendas and approved minutes are posted through the Town’s document center.
The Town currently maintains a dedicated Finance Committee Minutes and Agendas section, with 2026 meeting documents available online.
Contact Information
Finance Committee
Ludlow Town Hall
488 Chapin Street
Ludlow, MA 01056
Phone: (413) 583-5600