Massachusetts Senate Bill S2580

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/24
• Refer: 2/1/24
• Report Pass: 2/20/24
• Engrossed: 4/4/24
• Refer: 4/8/24
• Engrossed: 5/20/24
• Enrolled: 5/22/24
• Chaptered: 5/30/24
• Passed: 5/30/24

Caption

Relative to the residency requirement for the town manager of the town of Andover

Impact

If enacted, this bill could significantly influence the town's governance structure and its administration. By modifying the residency requirement, the town of Andover may attract a wider pool of candidates who may otherwise be deterred by the need to live within town limits. This change could enhance the town's ability to appoint a well-qualified and experienced individual to manage its municipal affairs effectively.

Summary

Senate Bill 2580 proposes an amendment to the residency requirement for the town manager of Andover, Massachusetts. Specifically, the bill seeks to remove the third sentence from Section 6 of the charter of the town of Andover, thus potentially altering the current stipulations regarding where the town manager must reside. The intent behind this bill arises from a request by local constituents and is seen as a way to provide greater flexibility in the recruitment and retention of candidates for this critical local leadership position.

Contention

While the bill has received local approval, concerns surrounding the potential downsides of such a change should not be overlooked. Some residents may argue that residency requirements ensure that town managers are more intimately familiar with the community's needs and challenges, which could be compromised if the new amendments are passed. This aspect has sparked a debate about balancing the need for qualified leaders with maintaining a strong connection to the community they serve.