Charter Review Committee Proposes Overhaul of Plymouth's Government Structure
Select Board debates changes to key committees and town manager qualifications
PLYMOUTH, MA - September 10 - Plymouth's Charter Review Committee unveiled a series of sweeping proposals Tuesday night that could alter how the town's government operates. The recommendations, presented during a marathon 4.5-hour Select Board meeting, sparked intense debate among board members.
At the center of the proposed changes is a controversial shift in how the influential Advisory and Finance Committee (FinCom) is appointed. The current system, where appointments are made solely by the Town Moderator, would be replaced by a five-person committee consisting of the Moderator and representatives from other town bodies.
Steve Bolotin, Vice Chair of the Charter Review Committee, explained the rationale: "This is not being recommended based upon any prior issuance of malfeasance, arguments of something improper, etc. This is done based upon concerns that were expressed to the Charter Review Committee."
Bolotin cited a lack of transparency in the current process. "We note that this is the only committee in town which is appointed by a sole person in secret, even though there are other committees who have authority to bind this town legally," he said.
The proposal faced pushback from some Select Board members. Kevin Canty expressed concern about potential conflicts of interest, stating, "Every single member of the FinCom is going to hear articles, proposals, projects, directives that are being proposed by members of the Select Board, members of the Planning Board, and members of the School Committee."
Another significant change involves redefining the role of the Committee of Precinct Chairs (COPC). The charter revision would elevate the COPC from a purely advisory body to a committee with equal status to other town committees, including appointment powers to various boards.
"We've said repeatedly that the legislative branch is an equal branch of government and this is the face of that branch, so they needed to be treated as such," Bolotin explained.
The proposed changes also include removing specific departments from the charter, such as the Department of Public Works and Department of Finance. Bolotin argued this would provide more flexibility in town operations without eliminating the departments themselves.
A debate emerged over the qualifications for Town Manager listed in the charter. The committee recommended removing specific experience requirements, which some board members feared could lead to unqualified appointments in the future.
The meeting also touched on changes to attendance requirements for board and committee members, proposing a 70% attendance threshold over 12 months before removal could be considered.
Select Board members expressed mixed reactions to the various proposals. While some changes received unanimous support, others, like the FinCom appointment process, saw split votes.
The proposed charter revisions will now move to the fall Town Meeting for consideration. If approved there, they would then require state legislative approval before taking effect.
As the meeting concluded, Charter Review Committee members emphasized that their goal was to create a more transparent, flexible, and effective town government.