Massachusetts House Bill H4026

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/31/23
• Refer: 7/31/23
• Refer: 10/16/23
• Engrossed: 12/7/23
• Engrossed: 12/9/24
• Refer: 12/12/24
• Enrolled: 12/23/24

Caption

Amending the town manager act of Arlington relative to the appointment of the town manager

Impact

The legislation mandates that a permanent town manager must be appointed within 180 days of a vacancy occurring. This ensures a clear timeline and structure for local governance, allowing for regular and stable leadership within the town's administrative framework. Furthermore, the bill provides flexibility in the appointment of the permanent town manager, allowing the new appointee to enter a contract for a maximum of three years, thus fostering a commitment to long-term service.

Summary

House Bill 4026 amends the Town Manager Act specific to the town of Arlington, enhancing the procedures related to the appointment of a town manager. The significant change proposed involves the process that follows when a vacancy in the town manager position occurs. The bill stipulates that, in such cases, the select board must appoint an interim town manager from among qualified town officers. This interim appointment is to be made promptly to ensure continuity until a permanent town manager can be appointed.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the stipulated conditions and timelines associated with the appointment. There could be concerns regarding the ability of the select board to adhere to these timeframes and the qualifications of interim appointees. Critics may argue that this could lead to rushed decisions or inadequate leadership during transitional periods, thereby impacting local governance. Moreover, the discretion granted to the select board in selecting the manager might raise questions about the transparency and fairness of the hiring process.