The Charter Revision Commission (CRC) is finalizing its review and consideration of more than 120 suggested changes to the town’s charter. The next steps and timeline are prescribed by state law. Work has already begun on a preliminary report, which will be available to residents in advance of public hearings in mid to late May.
The purpose of the hearings is to give residents the opportunity to comment on the proposed changes before the CRC finalizes the draft for the Board of Selectmen (BoS) by the end of May. As part of its evaluation of the proposed charter revisions, the BoS will hold its own public hearing in July before giving its comments to the CRC. The CRC will consider the BoS comments and suggestions, and then create a final report. If the BoS votes to accept the CRC recommendations, the proposed changes will go to voters in November. Then it will be up to residents to decide whether to accept or reject proposed changes to how the town is governed.