The measures will include sitting down with offenders and explaining to them that they could be personally liable for those over-expenditures.

To make sure they understand what is required of them, the finance board said it would have a them sign a document to that effect.

The action was triggered by requests from the Commission for the Elderly to transfer funds from various accounts within its budget to cover expenses for custodial services, driver services and the wages of the assistant director.

"It seems like they're always coming back with insufficient funds," said finance board member Lila Ferrillo.

The total sum of the requests from the Commission for the Elderly was $3,528. Of that amount, $663 was for custodial services, $1,500 was for drivers and $1,365 was for wages for the assistant director.

Finance board member Mike Lyon said he understood that the commission needed funds to cover the wages of an assistant director because that employee had to take on additional work when the previous director retired for health reasons.

With respect to the others, he expressed annoyance that the money had already been spent.

"Some people need to understand Budget 101," Mr. Lyon said.

While approving the transfers, the panel agreed at first to send a letter advising all boards not to spend money they don't have.

The proper procedure for seeking transfers of appropriations, outlined in the town charter, is to make a request in writing to the Board of Selectmen who, on approving it within 15 days, will then forward it to the Board of Finance. The finance board then must act within 30 days.

Without proper authorization, the person responsible for the transfer is liable for that sum, added member Tom Kelly.

Finance Director Jim Hliva, however, noted that a letter advising all departments of their obligations was sent in December by the first selectman's administrative assistant, the late Carl Serus.

Under the circumstances, Mr. Kelly advised that, instead of sending a letter, they meet with offenders and explain to them that they cannot over-expend line items without first obtaining permission from the finance board.

"This has got to stop," Mr. Kelly added.

Mr. Hliva agreed that requiring offenders to sign a document that they have been notified of proper protocol and that they understand their responsibilities was a good idea.

"If they have to sign something, they'll know," he said.

Chairman Jim Murphy said he would consult the town's attorney on appropriate wording for the document.