Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts Senate Bill S1288

Introduced
2/16/23  
Refer
2/16/23  
Refer
7/3/23  
Engrossed
1/8/24  
Refer
1/10/24  
Engrossed
2/8/24  
Enrolled
2/12/24  
Chaptered
2/21/24  

Caption

Authorizing the County Commissioners of Dukes County to appoint a treasurer who may not be a resident of the county

Impact

If passed, S1288 would modify various provisions in the General Laws concerning county governance and the appointment of local officers. By allowing the appointment of non-residents, the bill may enhance the ability of the County Commissioners to appoint individuals who offer specialized knowledge and experience in financial management, thus improving the operational efficiency of the treasurer’s office. However, it may also raise questions about accountability and representation, as a non-resident treasurer might be less familiar with the unique fiscal challenges and priorities of Dukes County.

Summary

Bill S1288 seeks to amend existing laws to allow the County Commissioners of Dukes County, Massachusetts, to appoint a treasurer who is not required to be a resident of the county. Currently, state law mandates that county treasurers must be residents of the respective counties they serve. This bill is designed to provide greater flexibility in the selection of treasurers, enabling the commissioners to choose candidates based on qualifications rather than residency constraints. The proposed change is significant as it potentially opens the door for candidates with diverse backgrounds who may bring valuable expertise to the role.

Contention

Some members of the legislature may raise concerns over this bill, particularly regarding the potential loss of local oversight in financial matters. Critics might argue that having a treasurer who is not a resident could lead to a disconnect between the treasurer’s decisions and the needs of the community. Advocates for local governance might contend that this move undermines the principle of local representation in government roles. Conversely, supporters may argue that ability and expertise should take precedence over residency and that this flexibility could ultimately benefit the county in managing its finances more effectively.

Companion Bills

MA H3893

Similar To Eliminating the residency requirement for fortune tellers

MA H5085

Similar To Extending residency requirements for members of the regular police or fire departments and fire alarm division of the city of Newton

Previously Filed As

MA H2314

Establishing the Dukes County Sheriff’s regional lockup fund

MA H2920

Relative to telecommunicators in Barnstable and Dukes Counties

MA S2942

Authorizing the county of Nantucket to convey School Street situated in the town and county of Nantucket for purposes of conveyance to the town of Nantucket

MA H4120

Authorizing the county of Nantucket to convey certain land situated in the town and county of Nantucket for purposes of conveyance to the town of Nantucket

MA H4748

Establishing an appointed treasurer for the city of Holyoke

MA H5062

Changing the Holyoke Treasurer position from elected to appointed

MA S1987

To waive chargebacks on state grants, federal grant awards, federal subgrants and subsidies for the Dukes County Sheriff’s Regional Emergency Communication Center

MA H4011

Providing for the appointment of a treasurer-collector in the town of Kingston

MA H3879

Creating the appointed positions of town treasurer and tax collector in the town of Westwood

MA S2948

Making the charter of the county on Nantucket gender neutral

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.