Town meeting asks legislature to extend moderator term from one to three years

Town meeting voted to ask the Massachusetts Legislature to change the town moderator’s term of office from one year to three years.

The Board of Selectmen sponsored the petition and asked town meeting to authorize selectmen to submit home‑rule legislation to the General Court to amend Section 11 of Chapter 541 of the Acts of 1947. Board member Donnelly said the change would align moderator elections with other three‑year elected offices and give moderators more time to master procedural responsibilities; he noted the Massachusetts Moderators Association recommends three‑year terms.

Supporters said a three‑year term could improve continuity for a role that requires detailed procedural knowledge and participation in town governance beyond presiding over meetings, including appointment responsibilities. Some town meeting members urged caution about locking in a three‑year term if an incumbent proves unpopular; others said incumbents are routinely re‑elected and the change would not affect the current moderator’s one‑year term.

Town meeting approved the motion to petition the legislature by recorded vote; the moderator announced the count as 133 in favor, 24 opposed and 1 abstention. The petition will be forwarded to the General Court and, if enacted, the new three‑year term would take effect as provided by state action and would not change the current moderator’s active one‑year term.