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Wayne board moves to combine treasurer, tax collector and bookkeeping duties; public hearing set for April 1
Summary
Following a motion to consolidate the town's treasurer, tax collector and bookkeeping functions into a single position, the Select Board discussed oversight, statutory limits and term length for the treasurer role and scheduled a public input session for April 1 to consider the amended treasurer ordinance.
The Town of Wayne Select Board approved a motion March 18 to consolidate the duties of treasurer, tax collector and bookkeeper into a single town position. The board instructed staff to draft a job description and to return with recommended language clarifying appointment, term length and oversight.
Board members and staff discussed how the treasurer ordinance should align with the town manager plan and state statutes. Shannon, the town manager, and others noted the town manager plan requires the town manager to exercise administrative oversight of departments and to keep the select board informed of the town's financial condition. At the same time, board members emphasized that oversight should not prevent the treasurer from exercising independent judgment in performing statutory duties.
Board members debated suitable term length for the appointed treasurer. Some members said, under statute, an appointed treasurer may serve a one-year term; others asked whether a multi-year contract would better attract candidates and provide due-process protections for employees. The meeting record shows the board left the term length open for later specification and agreed that, unless the ordinance states otherwise, the statutory term defaults to one year.
Members noted operational constraints tied to combining roles: the tax collector's responsibilities can tie to a specific tax commitment, which may require continuity through the collection period, and combining roles heightens the need for internal controls and clear reporting lines. One board member asked staff to consider model job descriptions and internal-control practices from other municipalities and to consult Maine Municipal Association guidance.
The board scheduled a public-input session for April 1 to receive comment on the treasurer ordinance amendments and related proposals. Staff were asked to include the treasurer ordinance in the April 1 public hearing notice and to circulate draft language to the board beforehand.
Ending: The board will use the April 1 public session to gather feedback and then finalize ordinance language for appearance on a town meeting warrant if the board chooses to proceed.
