For the past several months the Board of Selectmen has been working to develop a set of strategic town goals intended to provide a foundation to support the development of annual action plans addressing pressing needs of the town. The draft goals following this introduction are the result of this effort. At this point, the Board of Selectmen is looking for reactions/ comments to this draft set of goals from the town as we work to finalize the list of goals.

The goals described below are intended to reflect what we believe to be the general consensus of the town on the most important priorities that should guide decision-making on important town issues. These goals will undoubtedly be of great value to the Board of Selectmen, but they are not goals that only involve the Selectmen or town staff. You will see that some of these goals are probably more effectively addressed by individual town departments, public groups, or even individuals. They are intended to be a statement by the town about what is most important to Medfield. While it is impossible to give every Medfield citizen exactly what they might want, we hope that this articulation of goals in its final form will provide Medfield citizens with an overall picture that they are happy with.

Please let us know what you think! You can submit your comments and suggestions by email to towngoals@medfield.net.

MANAGE TOWN FINANCES IN A FISCALLY PRUDENT MANNER THAT STRIKES A PROPER BALANCE BETWEEN FUNDING OF IMPORTANT TOWN SERVICES AND AFFORDABILITY FOR TAXPAYERS

GOAL #1:  Charting a course for the town calls for an unwavering commitment to prudently impose financial burdens on taxpayers, while also ensuring that essential, or, in some cases, highly desired services are provided to the town’s residents and businesses. The natural tension between these two imperatives requires that a thoughtful balance between the two be maintained.

GOAL #2:  Many decisions made by the town carry long-term financial implications that can easily be missed if they are not consciously taken into account. Hiring decisions; major capital acquisitions; program expansions; and even public or state “seed money” contributions in support of new initiatives can all introduce long-term financial ramifications for the town that should be recognized up front before an initial financial decision is made. Unexpected major capital requirements; significant structural budget deficits; and unfunded long-term financial liabilities should rarely if ever, arise. 

 
 PURSUE COMMUNITY HOUSING GOALS TO MAINTAIN AN ECONOMICALLY STABLE AND SOCIALLY BALANCED TOWN POPULATION THAT ALLOWS MEDFIELD TO BE A SELF-SUFFICIENT AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITY

GOAL #3:  Medfield does a good job of producing responsible citizens who live with confidence in the safety and support of their community, regardless of economic or social status. Medfield residents can be confident that the town cares about them and will support them where possible. One of the most visible ways for the town to demonstrate its commitment to its residents is to work to address specific housing needs of long-standing town residents and other residents with particular needs that the town is in a position to help address.

PROMOTE THE HEALTHY AND RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDFIELD’S YOUTH

GOAL #4:  Medfield has a long-standing tradition of consciously working to instill in Medfield’s youth an appreciation for what it takes to form a vibrant, respectful, and supportive community to provide the best life possible for all who live in it. This appreciation doesn’t arise on its own. It is the result of conscious action by teachers, adult leaders, community leaders, neighbors, and youth organizations to introduce the town’s youth to town history, principles of democracy in action, public events and activities that encourage reflection and involvement in actions to bring a community together. Town government isn’t always the initiator or driver of these activities, but town government should always remain cognizant of them and should work to support these activities where needed and feasible. 

GOAL #5:  Medfield is a unique town because of its character, history, and heritage. Built upon the principles, ideals, and values of our country, Medfield has taken that foundation and refined it to build a town that recognizes the importance of preserving the heritage, values, and culture that have made Medfield the community that it has become. This goal focuses on ensuring that the best parts of Medfield are preserved for future generations and that Medfield retains its unique identity and character.