Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H4386

Introduced
8/7/25  

Caption

Relative to the town charter of the town of Plainville

Impact

The implications of H4386 suggest a shift towards a more organized and standardized budget preparation approach within the municipality of Plainville. By establishing clear guidelines and promoting a collaborative effort among key financial decision-makers, the bill seeks to facilitate a more transparent and accountable budget process. This could significantly impact local governance by enhancing fiscal responsibility and ensuring that budget allocations align with the community's priorities and needs.

Summary

House Bill H4386 proposes amendments to the town charter of Plainville, specifically focusing on the annual budget process. The bill aims to enhance the fiscal management and budget preparation protocols within the town’s government framework. It stipulates that the town select board, in collaboration with the town administrator, finance director, and finance committee chair, is responsible for issuing a directive that sets forth the overarching principles and priorities for the preparation of budget requests for the next fiscal year. This modification intends to streamline the budgeting process and ensure more coherent fiscal policy across town departments.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve the budget process, there may be discussions within the town about the extent of authority granted to the select board in issuing directives. Some community members might express concerns that this could centralize too much power within a specific group, potentially sidelining input from other local governance bodies or residents. Therefore, the balance between efficient budget processing and inclusive governance might be a point of debate among stakeholders as the bill advances.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MA H3717

Amending the act establishing a charter for the town of Wrentham

MA H4194

Relative to the charter in the town of Groton

MA H3728

Approving the Townsend special act charter

MA H2081

Relative to the charter of the town of Dedham

MA S2523

Relative to the town charter for the town of Southbridge

MA H4684

Relative to the charter and the town clerk in town of Grafton

MA S2501

Relative to the date set by the charter of the town of Walpole for the annual town election

MA H4237

Approving the town of Wrentham home rule charter as amended

MA H4685

Amending the town charter in the town of Grafton relative to transitional provisions of the charter

MA S2745

Relative to the charter of the town of Provincetown

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.