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Commission reviews treasurer article; keeps concise 'agent of public funds' phrasing, requests succession and access clarifications
Summary
The commission reviewed a proposed standalone treasurer article and cautioned against over‑specific 'resume‑style' language. Commissioners favored retaining the statutory phrase that the treasurer is the 'agent of public funds' while asking staff to clarify custody/access to financial systems, who certifies bond sale results, and temporary succession in cases of incapacity.
The Charter Revision Commission moved the existing brief language identifying the Town Treasurer as the agent of public funds into a standalone article but declined to expand the wording into a detailed job description. Commissioners said repeating extensive operational language risks unintentionally limiting the treasurer’s functions or creating conflicts with other charter sections.
The group asked staff to: (1) retain the statutory phrasing "treasurer shall exercise the functions of the agent of public funds," (2) confirm which financial systems the treasurer may access consistent with statute (for example, budget and investment reporting but not confidential payroll detail), (3) clarify that the treasurer and first selectman jointly certify winning bids for bond sales, and (4) recommend a mechanism to cover temporary incapacity or vacancy (the commission noted the board of selectmen currently has appointment authority in other sections and directed alignment for consistency). Town Treasurer Andrew participated by phone and confirmed current practice for investment reporting and bond‑sale certification; the commission will review suggested successor language drafted by staff.
