Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H4404

Introduced
2/15/24  
Refer
2/15/24  
Refer
4/8/24  
Engrossed
5/20/24  
Engrossed
10/15/24  
Refer
10/17/24  
Enrolled
11/14/24  
Chaptered
11/22/24  

Caption

Increasing the town of Northfield Board of Sewer Commissioners from three to five members

Impact

The new legislation mandates that the additional two members of the Sewer Commissioners be elected by the voters during the next annual town election. These new members are expected to assume the same responsibilities and powers as the current board members, thereby increasing the board's effectiveness in addressing local sewage management issues. With the new structure, the board's capability to make decisions tailored to Northfield's specific needs could improve, particularly as local environmental regulations become more complex.

Summary

House Bill 4404 aims to increase the membership of the Board of Sewer Commissioners in the Town of Northfield from three to five members. The bill seeks to enhance local governance by allowing the town to expand its commission, which plays a critical role in overseeing sewage management and related operations within the municipality. This expansion is notable as it directly reflects the community's requirements for more representation and oversight in managing its sewer infrastructure.

Contention

While the bill may appear straightforward, it does raise points of contention regarding practical concerns over governance and representation. Some community members may question whether increasing the number of commissioners will effectively contribute to better governance or lead to bureaucratic complications. Additionally, the election process for the new positions could also become a focal point of debate, particularly if significant attention is drawn to the qualifications of candidates and the effectiveness of the commission's decisions on local projects.

Companion Bills

MA H3938

Similar To Authorizing the town of Northfield to continue the employment of Floyd Dunnell, II

MA H4048

Similar To Authorizing the town of Northfield to continue the employment of Floyd Dunnell, III

MA H4687

Similar To Authorizing the town of Northfield to continue the employment of Floyd Dunnell, III

Previously Filed As

MA H3938

Authorizing the town of Northfield to continue the employment of Floyd Dunnell, II

MA H2355

Authorizing the town of Northfield to acquire property in the town of Bernardston

MA H4687

Authorizing the town of Northfield to continue the employment of Floyd Dunnell, III

MA H4236

Authorizing the town of Northfield to continue the employment of Floyd Dunnell, III

MA H3912

Increasing the membership of the board of health of the town of Marblehead from three members to five

MA H4048

Authorizing the town of Northfield to continue the employment of Floyd Dunnell, III

MA H5134

Increasing membership on the town of Paxton select board

MA H4097

Increasing the membership of the select board of the town of Merrimac from 3 members to 5 members

MA H4818

Increasing the membership of the Select Board for the Town of Lancaster

MA H3841

Amending the act authorizing the town of Deerfield to construct and operate systems of sewers

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.