An Act authorizing the town of Avon to appoint a town clerk

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Brady and 1 co-sponsor

Avon would shift from an elected to an appointed town clerk with a three-year term, transitioning the current clerk and amending the Town Charter accordingly.

Amended by substitution of bill with the same title, see H4556

Overview

This bill would shift Avon’s town clerk from an elected office to an appointed position, with transitional provisions to maintain continuity for the current elected clerk. The measure underwent a substitution (House Bill 4556) and is tied to local approval already received.

Bill number: H 2270 (amended by substitution; see H4556)

Title: An Act authorizing the town of Avon to appoint a town clerk

Introduced: February 27, 2025

Status: Amended by substitution with the same title (H4556)

Related bill: HD 1100 (replaces)

Purpose and intent

To authorize Avon to appoint its town clerk, replacing the current elected-town-clerk model.

To provide a clear transitional path that preserves the incumbent’s服務 during the interim and ultimately transitions to an appointed clerk for three-year terms.

To change the Town Charter accordingly to reflect appointment authority and term structure.

Key provisions

Section 1 – Transitional provisions for the incumbent and appointment in Avon

The current elected town clerk shall continue to serve in the elected position for the term for which she was elected.

During that term, the clerk is subject to the appointing authority’s call as provided in Avon’s Town Charter.

After the expiration of the elected term, the elected office shall be abolished.

The incumbent who holds office as of the act’s effective date shall become the first appointed town clerk under this act.

If the incumbent leaves the office before the end of the elected term, the elected position is abolished and the vacancy is filled according to Avon Town Charter appointing procedures.

Section 2 – Charter amendment to establish appointed-term structure

The Town Charter is amended by replacing Section 3-4(a) “Term of Office” with:

“There shall be a town clerk, appointed by the Select Board, to serve for a term of three years.”

Section 3 – Effective date

The act takes effect upon passage.

Who is affected

The current elected town clerk of Avon (the incumbent as of the act’s effective date).

The Avon Select Board (as the appointing authority for the town clerk position).

Avon residents and town stakeholders, who would transition from electing a town clerk to being served by an appointed town clerk on a three-year term.

Avon Town Charter provisions, which would be amended to reflect appointment authority and term length.

Procedural and timeline notes

Introduced: February 27, 2025.

Hearing: May 13, 2025.

Committee actions: Reported favorably and referred to House Steering (May–July 2025); Rules suspended; second reading; third reading at various dates.

Final legislative actions: On record as of September 25, 2025, the bill was read third and amended by substitution (H4556).

Status indicator shows local approval received for the measure.

Potential impact

Creates an appointment-based town clerk system in Avon with a three-year term.

Provides a transitional mechanism so the incumbent moves from elected to appointed status.

May affect local governance dynamics, accountability mechanisms, and process for filling vacancies, aligning with Avon’s Town Charter appointment procedures.

Bill