HB 377 - Summary

• Completely reincorporates the Town of Townsend with a new charter replacing the previous one in its entirety.

• Establishes a five-member Town Council comprised of a Mayor and four other members, each serving two-year terms with staggered elections (two members elected in even years, three in odd years).

• Grants the town broad powers including taxation, utility services, annexation of contiguous territory, zoning, public safety, and borrowing up to 5% of appraised property value with voter approval.

• Creates town administrative positions including Town Manager (appointed indefinitely by Council), Town Clerk, Town Attorney, Town Financial Officer, Town Engineer, and Police Force.

• Includes ethics provisions prohibiting conflicts of interest, requires competitive bidding for contracts, establishes procedures for forfeiture of office for non-attendance or violation of charter, and provides for indemnification of town officials and employees.