MA H4753

Repeals Chapter 87 of the acts of 2020 and establishes a new home rule charter for the town of Westwood, Massachusetts with a select board-open town meeting-town administrator form of government

Creates a 3-member select board elected to 3-year overlapping terms with power to appoint police chief, fire chief, town counsel, and various boards including board of health, council on aging, conservation commission, and recreation commission

Establishes a town administrator position appointed by the select board as chief administrative officer, requiring a master's degree in public/business administration and 5 years of relevant experience, with broad powers over personnel, budget preparation, procurement, and daily operations

Sets annual town election on the last Tuesday in April and spring annual town meeting on the first Monday in May, with provisions for a fall annual town meeting and recall procedures requiring signatures from 15% of registered voters

Creates a Finance and Warrant Commission of up to 15 members appointed by the moderator to review all warrant articles and a Department of Municipal Finance headed by a finance director to coordinate accounting, treasury, tax collection, and assessor functions