Article Body:
Since his official appointment as town manager on Jan. 20, Michael Herbert has focused his attention in three areas: building a strong team, monitoring the impact of a possible operational override and overseeing budget preparations for FY17, in anticipation of the town meeting on May 4.
“Once we can gain ground on these three important areas, we will move forward with a strategic visioning process that involves the community,” Herbert said. “Establishing a solid base may well take up the next several months, but once our foundation is in place, we’ll be ready to tackle our long-term goal of developing an informed roadmap for Ashland’s future.”
Getting the Right
People on Board
In a related article in this issue (March 2016), Ashland Local Town Pages introduced Ashland’s new Economic Development Director Beth Reynolds who will help promote a competitive local economic development environment and set an aggressive business development plan in motion to further enhance the health of Ashland’s economy.
Other new talent on board at town hall includes a director of human resources and a conservation agent.
Herbert recently promoted Brittany Iacaponi, formerly the town accountant, who is now serving as finance director. “She’s ready,” Herbert added about Iacaponi. “She’ll handle the responsibilities of this position well.”
New Online Tools Available
Herbert recently oversaw the launch of a new town website. The site makes local government more accessible and easier to understand. The site has a new look and feel, along with tools, like the newly-released “visual budget” program, which can demonstrate for a resident what portion of their tax dollars is supporting town departments, programs and services. It is also possible to view the town’s revenues, expenses, funds and reserves. Five years of data is available for comparison purposes.
The website also contains a link to an additional interactive project site, called coUrbanize, that provides information, updates, timelines and community forum access on 20 current projects in Ashland. This city development platform allows an opportunity to gather data and feedback from residents and community stakeholders alike.
Preparing the Budget
At their meeting on Jan. 20, the Board of Selectmen (BOS) voted on a two-question format for a Prop 2 ½ override. These two questions will be presented to residents at the town meeting and town election this spring. Residents will be asked to vote to create a $500,000 stabilization fund and a $1.9 million operational override.
Herbert, school superintendent Jim Adams, and some members of the BOS who have been involved in events hosted by the “Yes for Ashland” pro-override group are beginning to explain the override to voters.
In the meantime, Herbert’s team is developing two different operational budgets, one with override monies included and one without.
“As town manager, I plan to host open forums quarterly as vehicles for residents to ask questions, share feedback, and express ideas,” Herbert said. “I’m a pretty good listener. I try to put myself in a position to listen for the critical and pressing issues that will lend themselves to some kind of resolution. Communication, understanding and empathy are key.”
Looking to a Better Future
“The Board of Selectmen unanimously appointed Michael as town manager because of his honest and diligent commitment to his responsibilities and to those he serves,” Joe Magnani, BOS chair, said. “His experience and leadership skills are well known and his track record is long and clear. Among other things, he successfully revised the town’s budget process, balanced our budget for the first time without the use of stabilization funds, improved long-term planning, and has opened up lines of communication between departments. I look forward to working with Michael in his new role. I feel that with Michael at the helm, our ship will be led to calm waters and a better future for Ashland awaits.”