Easton Signs Commonwealth Community Compact Agreement

Press release from the Town of Easton:

The Town of Easton is proud to become the 149th Massachusetts municipality to enter into the Commonwealth Community Compact with the Baker-Polito Administration. This initiative, launched shortly after the beginning of Governor Baker’s first term, has quickly spread throughout the Commonwealth seeking to promote collaboration between municipal governments and state agencies to develop and implement best management practices.

Championed by Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, who chairs the Community Compact Cabinet, this Compact between the Commonwealth and the Town of Easton is entered into understanding that our citizens deserve the best government possible. The Community Compact allows municipalities to select three areas of focus to receive technical and financial assistance from the state, with Easton selecting Administration and Finance to identify cost-saving opportunities between the Easton Public Schools and Town government; a Review of Financial Management Structure to support its finance offices achieve a cohesive and accountable team structure; and Citizen Safety to promote multi-modal transportation safety throughout the community.

Selectmen Daniel Smith and Dottie Fulginiti were on hand at the signing ceremony in Foxborough on Thursday.

"This Compact will promote best practices in Easton and allow us to leverage state expertise and learn from our fellow municipalities involved in this great program," said Smith.

Selectwoman Fulginiti underscored the collaborative opportunities brought by the Compact: "I think it is fantastic that this agreement not only allows us to work with the state, but also brings Superintendent Dr. Keough and the Easton Public Schools into the fold."

In addition to technical assistance from state agencies, entering into the Community Compact brings financial opportunities to the Town of Easton. Municipalities that pledge to adopt best practices through this program earn bonus points on a variety of state grant programs and are given higher priority for other assistance programs.

At the time of signing, Easton had already been awarded a $15,000 grant to begin the work of identifying collaborative efficiencies between Town and School administration.

"The speed and efficiency with which the Baker-Polito Administration has implemented this program is truly impressive," said Town Administrator David Colton, "we are excited to get to work on these projects with help from the Commonwealth."

A full copy of the Commonwealth Community Compact with the Town of Easton can be found here. More information about the Community Compact can be found at this location.

This press release was produced by the Town of Easton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.