Author: Financial Management Resource Bureau
Tri-board meetings are held to bring together a town’s three key policymaking boards, the select board, school committee, and finance or advisory committee, to hear critical information at the same time and prevent misunderstandings. They allow for discussions that consider multiple perspectives and needs, potentially leading to more comprehensive and well-rounded decisions, particularly concerning shared resources or town-wide proposals. Increasingly, towns hold tri-board meetings to discuss budget development and important fiscal matters in order to arrive at solutions in advance of town meeting. Beyond the immediate budget cycle, these meetings also can provide an opportunity to discuss financial planning, capital needs, and other strategic initiatives.
As a matter of best practice and to mitigate unforeseen financial issues, tri-board meetings should be held at least quarterly during the year. Topics to cover in these meetings include comprehensive review of the prior year’s performance, year-to-date activities as they relate to benchmarks, formal policies, and other concerns of the individual boards that would benefit from additional input. Members of the finance team and other department heads would provide analyses, guidance and technical support to assist decision-makers. The tri-board would focus on short- and long-term planning efforts, have ample opportunities to discuss issues, and engage with the public and solicit feedback. Through regular communication, the boards would build collaboration and cohesiveness, pursue efficient resource management, and contribute to better outcomes that align with the town's overall financial goals and priorities.
Often, a community only convenes a tri-board meeting when experiencing urgent financial matters or facing emergency repairs to hear presentations from financial officers, allow public input and questions, and openly discuss options. Once the pressing issue is presumed to be resolved, the inclination to continue meeting may fade, which is not advisable. The tri-board should not be a one and done forum but rather the beginning of an ongoing process to keep officials and residents informed. There is significant value in holding regular tri-board meetings for communicating, planning and building consensus on an ongoing basis rather than just reacting to problems after they surface.
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| Date published: | August 14, 2025 |
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