HD 4543 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to the organization and governance structure of the town of Rochester

This bill reorganizes Rochester's local government by transferring executive authority from the town administrator to the select board. The select board becomes the town's primary policy-making body, responsible for setting goals, appointing the town administrator, overseeing budgets, and managing personnel policies, while the administrator handles daily operations. Key provisions require the administrator to be a U.S. citizen (not necessarily a resident), work full-time without other public roles, and undergo annual performance reviews. The bill clarifies the administrator's role as the select board's chief administrative officer, implementing board policies across departments like police, finance, and public works. It also specifies that the select board appoints department heads and maintains final authority over major decisions like insurance claims.
Bill status Introduction 0 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor