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HD 6245

An Act establishing an amendment to Bridgewater Town Charter: Article IV, Section 4-1 Town Manager term of office

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dennis Gallagher

The bill would set a Town Manager term of up to three years, renewable in three-year increments, with appointment and renewal by a majority Town Council.

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Bill Summary · HD 6245

Purpose and intent

  • This bill proposes an amendment to the Bridgewater Town Charter (Article IV, Section 4-1) to modify the term of office for the Town Manager.
  • The change would establish a defined term length and reappointment framework, creating a structured three-year term that can be renewed for additional three-year terms.

Key provisions and changes

  • Term length: The Town Council would appoint a Town Manager for a term not to exceed three (3) years.
  • Renewal: The initial term can be renewed for additional terms of up to three (3) years each.
  • Appointment authority: A majority vote of the full Town Council would be required to appoint and to renew the Town Manager.
  • Removal and procedures: The amendment would be subject to the existing appointment and removal procedures outlined in Article IV, implying continuity with current town governance processes for hiring and firing.
  • Implementation condition: The amendment only takes effect if approved by the Town Council, the State Legislature, and the voters of Bridgewater. This makes the change contingent on a tri-partite approval process (local and state levels plus voter consent).

Affected parties and entities

  • Primary: Town of Bridgewater and its Town Council, Town Manager position.
  • Indirectly affected: Town residents (through changes in governance structure and leadership terms), Bridgewater’s municipal administration, and potential impact on succession planning and oversight processes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative path: The bill follows the Massachusetts special-act process, allowing Bridgewater to submit an amendment to its charter for state consideration.
  • Approval sequence: 1) Bridgewater Town Council would vote to amend the charter. 2) The amendment would require approval by the Massachusetts State Legislature. 3) Final approval would require voter approval in Bridgewater.
  • Effective date: Dependent on the successful completion of all three approval steps (local charter amendment approved by council, state legislature, and local voters).

Additional notes

  • The bill is numbered HD 6245 for the 194th General Court session, filed June 23, 2026.
  • Sponsor: Dennis C. Gallagher (with a co-sponsor role noted).
  • The language specifies that the Town Council’s appointment and renewal would follow “the procedures for appointment and removal outlined in this Article,” indicating alignment with Bridgewater’s existing charter-based governance framework.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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