Bill
HD 2534
Establishes a formal, up-to-21-day acting Town Manager chain (Assistant TM, department head, then other qualified) with no Council member allowed to serve.
Purpose and scope
- This bill proposes a local amendment to Bridgewater’s Home Rule Charter (Article IV, Section 4-7) to establish a formal process for temporary absence of the Town Manager.
- It would replace the current Section 4-7 with a new provision titled “TEMPORARY ABSENCE.” The amendment becomes effective only if approved by Bridgewater’s Town Council, the Massachusetts State Legislature, and Bridgewater voters.
Key provisions
- Temporary absence window: If the Town Manager is temporarily absent for no more than 21 consecutive days, the Assistant Town Manager shall perform the duties of the Town Manager.
- If the Assistant Town Manager cannot serve: The Town Manager must appoint a department head to perform the duties during that period, with the appointment formalized by a letter filed with the Town Clerk and the Town Council.
- If the Town Manager fails to designate or the designated person cannot serve (or is deemed not qualified by the Town Council): The Town Council may appoint another qualified person to perform the Town Manager’s duties until the Manager returns.
- Prohibition on council members: No member of the Town Council may serve as acting Town Manager.
- Effective contingent language: The amendment becomes effective only if approved by the Town Council, the State Legislature, and the voters of Bridgewater.
Who is affected
- Town Manager and Assistant Town Manager (and their respective staff and departments) in Bridgewater.
- Town Council (for designation and possible appointment of an acting Town Manager).
- Bridgewater voters (local approval required as part of the charter amendment process).
- City/municipal governance processes (clarified succession and temporary leadership for up to 21 days).
Procedural and timeline notes
- The bill is a local act proposed as a special act to amend Bridgewater’s charter.
- It requires approval at three levels: Town Council, Massachusetts Legislature, and Bridgewater voters.
- The originating petition indicates a local approval pathway; the text references that such amendment is contingent upon approval by the local and state authorities and the electorate.
- The document is filed as House Docket No. 2534 (House, No. 2269 reference) with a sponsor from Bridgewater (Representative Dennis C. Gallagher).
Potential impact
- Provides a clear, formal mechanism to ensure continuous municipal governance during short Town Manager absences.
- Limits potential ambiguity by specifying the succession chain (Assistant Town Manager, then department heads, then other qualified individuals) and by excluding Town Council members from serving as acting Town Manager.
- Creates a multi-actor approval path, meaning delays or opposition at any level could affect implementation.
Notes
- As a local charter amendment, approval is not solely a legislative action; it requires local voter consent in Bridgewater in addition to state legislative action.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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