April Showers…That’s the Time for Town Meeting

Town meetings could be a month earlier, if Hamilton and Wenham voters approve changing their meeting day from May to April. The votes will take place in the next few weeks, Oct. 22, in Hamilton and Nov. 8, in Wenham. This change makes sense for both towns.

Practically speaking, the main purpose of the Town Meeting is to approve the local government’s spending from June this year until June next year. Preparing the budget is a lengthy process. Moving the meeting date will take some planning. Voting this fall for a date change in 2013 provides adequate time to adjust.  

Holding town meeting in May is not a long-standing tradition. Wenham used to gather in March or earlier to conduct their business for the year. But it moved to May in hopes of improving the budget process. By waiting for the state legislature to complete its budget, the town could be more certain of its revenues for the year. Nowadays, the state budget gets finalized in June, July or later. The benefit of a May meeting no longer exists. 

After braving the New England winter and the spring mud season, we can’t wait to get outside and reconnect. There are yards to clean-up, gardens to prepare and outdoor activities to enjoy. Activities at the school abound, SAT tests, school plays, proms and college graduations. The local social scene begins to pick-up with church fundraisers, showers for June weddings, yard sales, and sports galore. And let’s not forget those Kentucky Derby parties on the first Saturday in May.

No one wants to miss out on a sunny Saturday or weekend events to debate the budget, the by-laws, and other issues of the day. Of course we do, because it’s our civic duty. But sometimes, voters have to leave early when the meeting runs longer than expected and their other obligations can't wait.

Holding town meeting in April makes sense. There’s not much else to do in April, but watch the shower and dream of all we can do in May besides going to town meeting.