MassachusettsS 2716194th General Court (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act amending the charter of the town of Rockland

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

16 provisions identified: 14 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Charter basics and board member rules

Rockland remains a legal town government responsible for its duties and debts. The town may make agreements with other governments to share services. For elected multi‑member boards, about one‑third of members are elected each year unless the charter says otherwise. Appointed voting members must be registered Rockland voters; non‑resident town employees may serve as non‑voting or ex‑officio members.

Elected treasurer, clerk, collector, assessors

The town has an elected Town Clerk, Treasurer, and Collector, each serving three‑year terms. Each may appoint an assistant who serves at their discretion and acts when the officer is absent. A three‑member elected Board of Assessors serves three‑year terms and oversees property assessments.

Library trustees and planning board

A six‑member elected Board of Library Trustees serves three‑year terms. A five‑member elected Planning Board serves five‑year terms and chooses a chair and clerk. These boards oversee library services and local land‑use planning.

Local health and water boards

A three‑member elected Board of Health and a three‑member elected Board of Water Commissioners each serve three‑year terms. If a majority declares a public health or water emergency, meeting‑frequency limits do not apply. This lets the boards act faster during emergencies.

More open town board rules

Every multi-member board must adopt written procedures and file them with the town clerk. Boards must post proposed rules at least 7 days before adoption at town hall, on the bulletin board, online, and file a copy with the clerk. Each board must meet at least once a month, but can skip up to 8 weeks by a two-thirds vote. Emergency meetings follow the Open Meeting Law.

Parks and roads oversight

A three‑member elected Board of Park Commissioners serves three‑year terms. An elected Highway Superintendent serves three years and handles ordinary repair of public ways with the powers of a highway surveyor. These roles guide upkeep of parks and streets.

Regular charter and by-law reviews

Within 30 days of the charter taking effect, the select board creates a by-law review committee. It must finish within 1 year, and the board must vote on the recommendations within 90 days. In years ending in 5, the board provides for a charter review; in years ending in 7 or 2, a by-law review. Committees must file reports within 1 year unless extended, and the board must vote within 90 days of receipt. Within 90 days of the charter’s effective date, the board also forms a committee to recommend rules for removing appointed members before their terms end.

Select Board and Administrator powers

The Select Board has five members serving three‑year terms and manages town affairs and property. It may issue permits and, with legal advice, handle claims for or against the town. The board can reorganize departments under the Town Administrator; moving unspent funds needs approval from both the Select Board and the Finance Committee. At least four votes are needed to appoint a qualified, full‑time Town Administrator for up to three years; the person cannot have held elective town office in the past 12 months. Removal needs a two‑thirds vote with at least 60 days’ notice or 60 days’ severance; the Administrator appoints department heads, with consultation and a 20‑day Select Board review window.

Stronger budget and capital planning

The town has a seven-member capital planning committee. Departments must send project requests by October 1 each year. The committee reviews projects over $50,000 or with a useful life of 5 years or more, and prepares an annual capital plan. A capital item cannot be voted unless reviewed or an explanation is provided. Most appropriations lapse at year-end if not spent or encumbered. Capital funds stay until the project is done, but are abandoned after three fiscal years with no activity.

Stronger budget and finance transparency

The Town Administrator must present a written, balanced budget at a public meeting at least 90 days before the annual town meeting. A Finance Committee of 15 registered voters, serving staggered 3‑year terms and holding no other town office, must report on each budget item before any money is approved. Two members are also appointed to the capital planning committee. The adopted budget and the capital program are public records filed with the town clerk. The Select Board must print the annual town report by May 1 and share it online and at town hall, the library, and the senior center.

Town appointments and police/fire chiefs

The select board appoints certain officials, such as town counsel, the emergency management director, some appeals board and election officers, and two members of the capital planning committee. Some appointments are made each year so about one-third of members turn over. The board appoints the police chief for up to 5 years and may use an employment contract under state law. It appoints the fire chief, who serves until removed for cause after a public hearing. The board must announce vacancies at least 2 weeks before filling them and fill them without unreasonable delay. Appointees serve the rest of the unexpired term.

Town meeting dates, notices, quorum

An elected town moderator runs town meeting and rules on order. The town meeting is open to all voters and makes town laws. For the annual meeting, the Select Board closes the warrant 50 days before and posts it at least 14 days ahead. For special meetings, the warrant stays open at least 7 days after the vote to hold it and is posted 14 days before; the board may re‑open it for emergency articles with a short written reason. By January 31, the board sets a date so all business finishes by June 30. A quorum is 150 voters (50 if adjourned), and the annual election is the second Saturday in April.

Rockland Housing Authority structure and seats

The Rockland Housing Authority has five members: three elected to staggered five‑year terms (only one expires each year), one tenant member appointed by the Select Board, and one member appointed by the state housing office. The authority exercises powers under state housing law to oversee local public housing.

School committee and capital planning link

A five‑member elected School Committee serves three‑year terms and runs the public schools. The committee must appoint one member to the town’s capital planning committee. This links school needs to long‑term building plans.

How recalls of local officials work

500 qualified voters can start a recall by filing a sworn affidavit. The petition must be returned in 14 days with signatures from at least 15% of qualified voters on the affidavit date; registrars certify in 1 business day. If certified, the Select Board sets the recall election 60 to 90 days after the resignation deadline, or may match another town election within 100 days. The officer may appear on the ballot unless they opt out in writing; voters first choose For/Against recall, then pick a replacement. No recall is allowed in the first 6 months of a term or within 6 months after a failed recall.

Who can serve in town office

Any registered voter can hold elective town office. A person cannot hold more than one elected town office at the same time unless the charter allows it. Anyone removed by recall, or who resigned while a recall was pending, cannot be appointed to any town office for 2 years.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

David F. DeCoste
Republican • House
John F. Keenan
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 5 • No: 0

committee vote • 11/10/2025

Committee Redraft: Ought to pass – by substitution of a New Draft