MassachusettsH 4805194th General Court (2025-2026)House

An Act amending the town charter of the town of Plainville

Sponsored By: Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Signed by Governor

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

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Alternate members for most town boards

The select board may appoint up to two associate or alternate members to each multi-member body, except the school committee and housing authority. Alternates serve one-year terms and may take part in all matters. The body’s chair may seat an alternate as a full member when someone is absent, has a conflict, cannot act, or there is a vacancy.

New appointments for finance committee

Finance committee members are appointed by three officers: the select board chair, the finance committee chair, and the town moderator. Town by-laws set how many members there are and how long terms last. This clarifies who appoints the committee and how it is structured.

Plainville creates a town manager

The charter now uses the title "town manager" instead of "town administrator." The select board appoints the town manager. The manager must have suitable education and training and at least 3 years of public administration experience as a city or town administrator, assistant administrator, or a similar role. The select board sets pay within the amount the town appropriates.

Written budget guidance for departments

The select board, town manager, finance director, and finance committee chair must give department heads a written directive before budget requests. The directive states the main principles and priorities for the next year’s budget. Department heads use it to prepare their requests.

Limits on select board outside roles

Select board members cannot hold any other elected town job created by the charter or by-laws. They also cannot serve on boards the select board appoints. A member may still serve when the role is meant to represent the select board on that body. This reduces conflicts of interest.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

Marcus S. Vaughn
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 11 • No: 0

committee vote • 11/25/2025

Committee Redraft: Ought to pass, with substitution of new draft