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Townshend voters reject proposal to move treasurer duties from elected office to hired bookkeeper
Summary
Voters defeated a March 3 proposal to restructure Townshend’s finance office, which would have reduced the elected treasurer to a $5,000 stipend and created a $20,000 town‑hired bookkeeper. Opponents said the change would weaken independent financial oversight; supporters said it would improve day‑to‑day operations.
Townshend voters on March 3 defeated a measure that would have restructured the town finance department and reduced the elected treasurer’s duties.
The article proposed replacing the current full‑time, elected treasurer with a part‑time elected treasurer (a reduced stipend) and a hired part‑time bookkeeper paid roughly $20,000, with additional accounting support from a contractor. Select Board member Suarez, who moved the article, said the change would “give a little bit more direct communication between the board and the finance department” and allow the town to implement audit recommendations and improve transparency.
Treasurer Elaine Hill, who identified herself to the meeting as the incumbent treasurer, opposed the change and urged voters to retain a full‑time treasurer. “I think you need a full time treasurer, not a figurehead treasurer for $5,000 a year,” she told the meeting, adding that bookkeeping and reconciliation are labor‑intensive duties that have in the past required experienced staff.
Opponents warned the proposal would concentrate control of accounting functions under the Select Board and weaken independent oversight. “We need a strong independent treasurer that is elected by the people,” said resident Andy Snelling, arguing the current statutory separation of duties provides checks and balances.
After about an hour of discussion and a requested paper ballot, the motion failed: 33 yes, 110 no. The moderator announced the result and returned the meeting to the published agenda. The town will retain its current elected treasurer structure for now.
