Press Release: 5/21/2026

May 20, 2026

Dudley Government Study Committee seeks residents’ comments before publishing recommendations

Since July 2025, the Government Study Committee has reviewed the town’s organizational and financial structure, researched best practices in peer communities, and gathered input from town officials and residents.

The committee is set to begin deliberations and vote on its findings and recommendations, which are to be presented to the Board of Selectmen by July 1. These recommendations may lead to further action at the Fall Special Town Meeting.

The Committee invites residents to a public information meeting at 5:30 p.m. on May 20 at the Dudley Town Hall, 71 West Main Street, third floor.

Residents’ call for an audit of the Town’s financial workings resulted in a state Department of Revenue Division of Local Services audit at Town Hall during the summer of 2024. The audit encompassed Dudley’s government structure, fiscal planning, financial policies, information technology, and operational practices of its financial offices.

The findings report, published in December 2024, identified 16 areas of concern and made recommendations for changed practices. The report emphasized that Dudley’s decentralized government structure lacks essential coordination and communication, hindering its ability to function effectively and efficiently.

One key recommendation was to create an independent Government Study Committee.