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Charter commission considers longer terms for finance and law directors to retain staff
Summary
The Stowe Charter Review Commission discussed a proposal to let elected finance and law directors serve an additional four-year term, citing retention concerns for lower-paid elected positions; commissioners sought public feedback but took no formal vote.
The Charter Review Commission for the City of Stowe discussed a proposal to change the charter so elected finance and law directors could serve an additional four-year term beyond the current structure, citing retention and continuity concerns.
Commissioners said finance and law director positions are lower paid than equivalent private-sector roles and often serve as career stepping stones, prompting the commission to consider allowing three consecutive four-year terms for those offices while leaving the mayor and council term limits unchanged. Commissioner Dennis Riley said the change is intended “to continue to attract quality individuals into those positions.”
The commission’s presentation explained the commission has reviewed the entire charter and is sending recommendations to city council; commissioners emphasized this proposed change would not affect mayoral or council term limits. Drew, identified in the meeting as the city’s law director, also participated in explanations about legal and implementation aspects.
Members of the public who spoke during the town-hall portion strongly supported the idea. Christopher Enrich of 3631 Oak Road said, “If anything, I would rather remove term limits, but extending them, I think, is a good move.” Tom McGregor of 1972 Sandy Hook said extending terms “may attract a quality person” because private-sector pay could otherwise deter candidates. Kim Butler Young (2515 River Downs) echoed support.
Commissioners asked for further public feedback before drafting specific charter language. No formal recommendation or vote on this specific term extension was recorded at the meeting; commissioners indicated any final proposal would be sent to city council for its review and possible placement on the ballot.
The commission reminded attendees that council has the authority to edit or decline any commission recommendation and that charter amendments require five of seven council votes to reach the ballot and voter approval at a general election.
The commission closed the item by inviting more written and oral comments before finalizing language that would be sent to council for consideration.
