Bill
HD 4825
Summary of HD 4825: An Act relative to the charter of the town of Fairhaven OverviewThis proposed bill would make several changes to the town charter of Fairhaven, Massachusetts. T
This proposed bill would make several changes to the town charter of Fairhaven, Massachusetts. The main purpose is to update the town's governing structure and administration, including modifications to the roles and responsibilities of various elected and appointed officials.
The bill would make the following notable changes to Fairhaven's town charter:
Restructure Town Government: The bill would shift Fairhaven from a representative town meeting form of government to a council-manager system. This would replace the current Board of Selectmen with a 9-member Town Council, and create a new Town Manager position to serve as the town's chief administrative officer.
Expand Town Council Powers: The Town Council would be granted broader legislative and oversight authority, including the ability to appoint and remove the Town Manager, approve the municipal budget, and pass local bylaws and regulations.
Modify Elected Offices: The positions of Town Moderator and School Committee would be eliminated, with their duties transferred to the new Town Council. The Town Clerk would shift from an elected to an appointed role.
Revise Budgeting Process: The bill would change the town's budgeting timeline, requiring the Town Manager to submit a proposed annual budget to the Town Council 105 days prior to the start of the fiscal year (currently 90 days).
Strengthen Ethics Requirements: New conflict of interest and financial disclosure rules would be implemented for elected and appointed officials in Fairhaven.
If enacted, this legislation would significantly reshape Fairhaven's local government and administration. The changes would primarily impact the following stakeholders:
Fairhaven Residents: Residents would see changes to how they elect and interact with town leaders, as well as potential shifts in municipal services and priorities under the new council-manager system.
Elected and Appointed Officials: Current elected officials like Selectmen and the Town Moderator would lose their positions, while the Town Manager would become a more powerful role. Ethics rules would also apply more broadly.
Town Departments and Administration: The Town Manager would gain expanded authority over day-to-day town operations and oversight of department heads, potentially changing administrative processes and policies.
HD 4825 was introduced in the Massachusetts legislature on November 29, 2025. It has been referred to the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government for initial consideration. If approved by the committee, the bill would then proceed to a vote in the full state House and Senate.
If the bill is ultimately enacted, Fairhaven would have 18 months to transition to the new council-manager structure before the changes take effect.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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