The Finance Department headed by James Finch is comprised of the following functional areas: budget, pension,…More accounts' payable, accounting, treasury, purchasing and debt management. Finch notes that the Finance Department assists in labor relations and risk management. "In all of these areas we strive to perform in a manner consistent with good fiscal stewardship," states Finch.</p> <p>The board is comprised of six members with no more than three from each political party. The town first selectman is an <em>ex officio</em> member of the board and only votes if there is a tie. The board meets the last Monday of every month.  </p>

The town's tax collector moderates and gathers taxes on real estate, personal property and motor…More vehicles. </p> <p>Twice a year, in July and January, taxes are collected in accordance with the annual mill rate decided during the budget process. Branford Board of Finance will guide the municipal budget process, and the mill rate, depending on how much money is needed to fund the municipal budget and how much property is available to be taxed (equalized grand list) as of the assessment date (grand list date) of October 1.  </p> <p>General questions can be answered on the tax collector's website, but feel free to stop in the office in Town Hall to see department head Joanne Cleary.</p> <p>Cleary notes that with the economy being tough, people should not hesitate to call when there are problems; the department will work with people in all financial situations.</p>