Finance Committee

Essex boards align on public works reforms for fiscal 2027. Three town bodies — the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, and Board of Public Works — convened jointly on February 24 to coordinate DPW priorities. Finance Committee Chair Jodi Harris outlined the need to quantify departmental needs

Finance Committee examines public safety budget pressures and staffing changes ahead of FY27. Chair Jodi Harris and the Committee conducted a comprehensive review of Police, Fire, Ambulance, and Harbormaster departments, with Police confirming that full staffing has reduced incidental overtime.

Essex Finance Committee unanimously approves $13,046 reallocation from police officer salaries to overtime funding. A full-time officer's unexpected August 2025 resignation created staffing gaps; the position has since been filled but overtime costs reached 77 percent of budget as of January 21.

Finance Committee approves emergency elections funding while adopting new budget software. Chair Jodi Harris guided unanimous approval of a $7,500 line-item transfer to cover two special elections triggered by an elected official's passing. The committee adopted ClearGov budget software at a