MassachusettsH 4784194th General Court (2025-2026)House

An Act providing for a town administrator in the town of Hopedale

Sponsored By: Brian W. Murray (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Municipalities and Regional GovernmentHouse Steering, Policy and Scheduling

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Administrator runs town operations and budget

The Town Administrator is the chief administrative officer. They carry out Select Board policies and manage personnel rules. They prepare the annual budget and a capital plan and give finance updates. They buy town supplies and negotiate contracts; the Select Board gives final approval. They recruit candidates for many appointments, set pay within budgets, and attend Select Board and Town Meetings. They do not buy school or library books and must give the Board a short, ranked list for many hires.

New full-time Town Administrator role

The law creates a Town Administrator for Hopedale, appointed by the Select Board. Pay and benefits are set by a contract under state law. The Administrator must have proven municipal management experience and work full time. They cannot hold any other public office or do outside work that conflicts with the job. By by-law, the town may add extra qualifications.

Rules to remove or fill Administrator

The Select Board may remove the Town Administrator for good cause by a majority vote. The Administrator must get written reasons and a hearing; any contract rules also apply. If the office is vacant or the Administrator is on extended leave, the Board may appoint a temporary Administrator. A temporary term lasts up to three months and can be renewed once for up to three more months. Pay for a temporary Administrator cannot be higher than the absent Administrator’s approved rate.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Brian W. Murray
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 11 • No: 0

committee vote • 12/19/2025

Committee Favorable: Ought to pass