Executive committee backs recommending treasurer term be extended to six years

The Rutland Regional Planning Commission executive committee voted on May 11 to recommend that the full board amend bylaws to extend the treasurer's maximum consecutive service to six years.

The committee chair opened discussion on bylaw language in section 8.04 and the executive director outlined options for targeted versus broader bylaw changes. A member moved that staff draft an amendment limited to the treasurer provision; another member seconded the motion. The committee approved the recommendation by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Supporters said the treasurer role requires continuity because of the learning curve and the need for a local signer who can come into the office on short notice to sign checks and handle time-sensitive financial transactions. One committee member said extending the treasurer term would reduce turnover and preserve institutional knowledge; another cautioned that any change should be narrow to avoid the appearance of entrenching leadership.

The executive director said he would prepare a memo explaining the rationale and the proposed text and present the recommended amendment to the full board at the June meeting. The committee recorded that, if the full board approves the amendment, officers would still be elected annually but a treasurer could serve up to six consecutive one-year terms under the revised language.

Next step: the executive director will draft the amendment and supporting memo and submit it to the board for its June vote.