Town attorney says new code limits park board authority on major contracts and acquisitions

John, the town attorney, told the Dyer Park Board that a provision recently codified as “code 36 10 3 11” changes the board’s authority over large contracts and acquisitions.

The attorney said the statute limits the board’s ability to exercise powers such as eminent domain, enter contracts for real or personal property, or approve capital improvements without the town executive’s approval if the action would exceed 10% of the board’s annual budget (or a specified monetary threshold). John said the new text does not alter routine maintenance authority.

Why it matters: The change narrows the park board’s discretion on high-cost projects and transfers final approval for significant capital actions to the town executive. That shift affects any future large-scale improvements or property acquisitions the board may propose.

John summarized the statute during his report to the board and said there was little legislative history attached to the change. He recommended the board consult the town executive on projects that may approach the 10% threshold and suggested staff bring a clarified internal policy or process back to the board if needed.

The board did not take formal action on specific projects at the meeting; the attorney said he would circulate additional language and guidance for the board’s fall agenda.

The attorney’s report closed without a vote; the board moved on to engineer and director reports.