Most of our questions come from vendors who want to know when they will receive payment or from town departments confirming the balances on their budgets and/or open purchase orders. Taxpayer calls are always welcome. The following questions are often asked: What is the total budget for the Town of Dedham?
Annual Town Meeting appropriations and assessments are approximately $86 million for the Fiscal Year 2009 budget.
What is the total debt of the Town of Dedham?
Balance outstanding as of June 30, 2008 is $38,249,752 in Bonds and $3,940,000 with another $10,110,000 authorized, but not yet bonded. Note that the total $52.3 million is less than 2% of the equalized valuation of the Town. The statewide recognized "debt limit" is 5% with some types of borrowing acceptable "outside the debt limit" by state standards.
How is a reserve fund transfer request granted?
Under Massachusetts General Laws, the Finance Committee can authorize transfers from the Reserve Fund for "extraordinary and unforeseen " expenditures. Reserve request forms distributed by the Finance Committee must be used to make a reserve fund request. Supporting information, which provides clear evidence of need, should be attached to the form. The Committee reserves the right to refuse a request for lack of information. | 
