Select Board approves article to create Town Government Structure Committee with appointed, non-elected members

The Select Board voted on Sept. 16 to support a proposed warrant article that would create a seven-member Town Government Structure Committee to review Southborough’s governance and propose changes. The committee’s charge will include examining the number of elected positions, the potential for a town manager form of government, representative town meeting, and options for remote participation and voting. The board amended the draft article to specify the committee "shall consist of 7 registered voters, none of whom shall be current elected officials, appointed by the Select Board." Select Board members said the committee should include experienced residents and former local officials who understand town operations and history. Select Board member Al said he was motivated by a concern about low-contest elections and too many volunteer-elected bodies: "We have too many uncontested elections, and I think that's very unhealthy," he said. The timeline and final recommendations will be developed by the committee, with the expectation that any structural proposals would return to town meeting for voter consideration. Board members said the committee may consult existing resources such as Mass. Municipal Association materials and look at examples from other towns. The Select Board endorsed the article and will include the final language on the Oct. 7 warrant-signing agenda.