MassachusettsH 4030194th General Court (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act relative to the organization and governance structure of the town of Rochester

Sponsored By: Mark D. Sylvia (Democratic), Michael J. Rodrigues (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Municipalities and Regional GovernmentHouse Steering, Policy and Scheduling

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Current town workers keep pay and time

If you hold a town office or work for the town on the law’s start date, you keep your pay, grade, and credited time in service. This does not stop the act from moving some duties to someone else.

Current rules stay unless they conflict

All town laws, by‑laws, votes, rules, and contracts stay in force unless they conflict with this act. Pending court cases are not affected. When this act conflicts with earlier state laws, special acts, or town by‑laws, this act controls.

Law takes effect after town vote

The act takes effect only after the town of Rochester accepts it by a vote at town meeting.

New budget led by administrator

The town administrator submits a written annual budget for the next year. It shows all revenues, all spending, and debt service for the previous year, the current year, and the next five years. It lists capital and operating costs by department and includes estimated revenues and free cash. The finance director, school committee, and all boards and officers must give written information to help build the budget. The administrator sets budget deadlines and makes sure budgets follow town meeting votes.

Administrator can review all records

The town administrator can access all town books, papers, and documents needed to do the job. The administrator may examine any department under their supervision, or any officer or employee there, without notice.

Administrator manages insurance and lawsuits

The town administrator manages the town’s insurance, but the select board must approve insurance contracts and claim settlements. With the board’s approval, the administrator can prosecute, defend, and settle town lawsuits if money is appropriated. This does not cover lawsuits that involve only the school department.

Select board sets policy; admin runs operations

The select board is the town’s policy and goal‑setting body. The town administrator is the chief administrative officer and runs daily operations under the board. The administrator manages personnel policies for all non‑school staff and prepares job and pay plans under state and local law. With board approval, the administrator appoints and removes department heads; department heads hire staff with the administrator’s OK. Fire hiring follows state law, and all hiring is merit‑based. The administrator negotiates town labor contracts (not the school department), and the board must approve final deals. The administrator is the town’s designee in school employee talks and votes as a member of the school committee. The administrator also serves as the town’s procurement officer and sets purchasing rules that follow state law.

Town administrator job: rules and pay

The select board appoints a qualified town administrator and may sign a contract within legal limits. The person must be a U.S. citizen and does not have to live in Rochester. The administrator works full time and needs written board approval to hold any other job or office. The board sets pay, but it cannot be more than the amount approved at town meeting. The board may remove the administrator for cause with seven days’ written notice and a hearing, and the administrator may have a lawyer. If the job is vacant for more than 30 days, the board must name a qualified acting administrator for up to 180 days.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

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