MassachusettsH 3898194th General Court (2025-2026)House

An Act to amend the town of Natick home rule charter

Sponsored By: David Paul Linsky (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Municipalities and Regional GovernmentHouse Steering, Policy and SchedulingBills in the Third Reading

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Clear rules for petitions and vacancies

Ten registered voters can place a petition on the annual town meeting warrant; 100 are needed for a special town meeting. The Select Board must send any zoning change proposals to the Planning Board within 14 days. The Moderator may require agency reps to attend meetings and speak on related articles, allow remote participation, and appoint a deputy to preside when absent (the deputy’s term cannot exceed the Moderator’s). If a precinct seat opens, the Moderator fills it from a list of unelected candidates in vote order (ties by public lottery). If that fails, current precinct members hold a public caucus with at least 48 hours’ notice to choose someone until the next annual election.

Clear rules for town hiring and terms

The Select Board appoints the Town Manager and key boards: three registrars of voters (three‑year staggered terms), a five‑member board of appeals plus three associates (three‑year staggered terms), and a seven‑member conservation commission (three‑year staggered terms). The Town Manager appoints the treasurer‑collector and assistant (terms up to five years) and the town clerk (three‑year term); the Board must vote to approve, and no action within 30 days counts as approval. The manager must tell the Board about vacancies; if the manager does not act in time, the Board may fill the job. Vacancies are posted at least 10 days, and no permanent hire takes effect until 14 days after posting; civil service and conflicting union contracts are exempt. Unpaid positions due to expire must be advertised. Current rules for the comptroller, treasurer‑collector, and clerk remain until the town passes new by‑laws on qualifications, duties, and powers.

Clearer budget and five-year capital plan

The school superintendent sends the proposed school budget to the Town Manager in time to be included. The manager submits a preliminary town budget before spring town meeting and publishes a summary with where to read it. The budget shows last year, this year, and next year; explains differences from the school request; and lays out any revenue gaps with options. The finance committee must publish a hearing notice and hold the first hearing 7–14 days later, and its report is available at least 7 days before the vote; at town meeting, the finance committee offers the first amendments. At least 30 days before the operating budget, the manager files a five‑year capital plan with project costs, financing, and future operating costs.

Modern public notice and charter wording

A “local newspaper” can include the town website, temporary signs, social media, or other methods the Select Board approves in good faith at a public hearing. The law defines what a “multiple member body” is. Charter words cover singular or plural and include all genders. These updates make notices and rules clearer and easier to use.

Voters decide Natick charter changes

Natick puts these charter changes on the next regular municipal or state ballot, or an earlier special election if called. If more voters choose Yes than No, the changes take effect right away. If not, they do not take effect.

Clear process to reorganize town agencies

Town Meeting may create, merge, or abolish town agencies by by‑law and set their powers and membership, unless general law or the charter forbids it. After consulting the Select Board, the Town Manager can propose reorganization plans, publish notice, hold hearings, and send a plan to Town Meeting. Town Meeting may only approve or reject a plan; it cannot amend it, and plans cannot conflict with by‑laws. Elected officers must be available to meet with the Select Board or the Town Manager to coordinate work. The Recreation and Parks Commission advises on programs and, when the director job is open, screens candidates and sends two or more names to the manager.

State ranked-choice rules apply in Natick

When state ranked‑choice voting rules are in effect for local races, Natick’s preliminary election procedures do not apply. State election law governs those local elections.

Town Manager leads day-to-day operations

The Select Board is the town’s chief executive and appoints a professional Town Manager. The manager’s first six months are probation. Terms are up to 3 years by majority vote, or up to 5 years by a two‑thirds vote. The manager works full time and needs prior written board approval for any other job. The manager runs departments, makes posted appointments that take effect on day 15 unless the Board rejects them, negotiates contracts, and prepares budgets and capital plans. If absent or the seat is vacant, an acting manager serves (up to 3 months at first, then renewals up to 9 more) and handles only urgent matters. The Board may remove the manager; after probation it must give notice, state charges on request, and allow a hearing. Pay continues until 30 days after a final removal vote.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

David Paul Linsky
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 11 • No: 0

committee vote • 7/2/2025

Committee Favorable: Ought to Pass