Visiting town managers urge Littleton to prioritize a town‑manager transition, recommend phased charter approach

Two visiting municipal leaders told Littleton’s Select Board that a move to a town‑manager form of government can work if the change is staged and written to clarify appointing authority.

Bedford Town Manager Matthew Hanson, who described a recent special‑act process in his town, said, “The town manager basically appointed all non school, non library staff,” and urged clarity so staff understand reporting lines. He said the committee in his town separated the town‑manager language from other charter changes to get it adopted and recommended retaining some select‑board checks for top posts: “The town manager would remain the appointing authority for the police and fire chief. But rather than just consultation with the select board, it was a vote of approval of the select board,” Hanson said.

Retired town manager Bob Mercier described practical benefits and pitfalls from his experience, urging that personnel functions be a primary focus: “The personnel functions…to me is the linchpin of making a strong town manager,” he said, and warned boards to avoid over‑specifying the charter in ways that create operational headaches. Several Select Board members and charter committee participants discussed whether to present the entire charter at once or move piecemeal to protect the broader effort and preserve public trust.

Why it matters: The Select Board is preparing next steps for a charter question that would change how Littleton assigns authority over department heads and implementation of town policy. The visiting managers’ advice gives the board examples of compromises and procedural options — including special acts and staged implementation — that could affect what the town ultimately puts before voters.