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Council backs charter referendum to let council appoint successors to vacant seats
Summary
The council approved Ordinance No. 540 on first reading (5-0) and selected ballot option #1 to ask voters on March 9, 2027 whether the council may appoint successors to fill vacancies instead of holding special elections.
The Haverhill Town Council voted unanimously on March 12 to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 540 and to transmit it with ballot question option #1. The ordinance proposes a March 9, 2027 referendum asking town electors to amend Section 2.03 of the town charter so the council may appoint a successor to a vacancy when more than 18 months remain in the term and to authorize the council to fill a vacancy within 90 days if no one qualifies for a special election.
Town Administrator Tracey Stevens told the council staff recommended ballot option #1 because it provides voters with more information about the proposed charter change and the fiscal rationale for avoiding an expensive special election. Council Member Teresa Johnson moved to approve Ordinance No. 540 with the recommended ballot language; the motion passed 5-0.
If approved by voters in March 2027, the charter amendment would allow an appointment to fill the remainder of a vacated council term under the conditions stated in the ordinance text. The ordinance will return for a second reading and the town will proceed with required referendum procedures.
