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Select Board affirms 'special municipal employee' status for Board of Assessors
Summary
The Arlington Select Board unanimously voted to confirm designating the Board of Assessors member position as a 'special municipal employee' under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 268A, clarifying it applies to the position (not individuals) and requires notice to the town clerk and State Ethics Commission.
The Arlington Select Board unanimously voted on June 22 to designate the Board of Assessors member position as a special municipal employee under Chapter 268A of the Massachusetts General Laws, a conflict‑of‑interest statute that creates limited exceptions for part‑time public officials.
Town counsel explained that designation affects how Sections 17 and 20 of M.G.L. c. 268A apply to assessors: it can, in narrow circumstances, permit a designated person to represent a private client before a different municipal board (Section 17) or to contract under strict disclosure rules (Section 20). Counsel said the designation attaches to the position and would apply to current and future members unless the Select Board revokes it, and that state and town notification requirements (town clerk and State Ethics Commission) apply.
Board members discussed the town’s past, limited use of the designation, the need for guardrails and disclosures, and whether a prior vote existed in the town records. Diane Mahan moved to confirm the designation and the motion carried unanimously. Town staff said they will file the required notifications.
The board’s action is intended to preserve access to qualified, part‑time individuals for volunteer roles while retaining statutory safeguards and transparency.
