The Metrowest Daily News predicts a lively debate at tonight’s public meeting to discuss whether Southborough should move to a town manager form of government. If the comments on this blog are any indication, there’s a pretty good chance they’ll be right.
A committee of volunteers has worked since last summer to draft legislation that describes how the government in Southborough would operate under a so-called “strong town manager.” Key changes include increasing the size of the Board of Selectmen from three to five, and hiring a town manager who would essentially be the Chief Operating Officer for the town.
While the proposal to change our form of government has enjoyed broad support from elected and appointed officials in town, not everyone is sold on the idea. Some residents and boards have questioned whether the town manager would have too much power over town operations, while others question why Southborough needs to make any changes to its government at all.
Expect those questions, among others, to be hashed out at the public meeting tonight. The discussion starts at 7:00 pm at Cordaville Hall (Senior Center, 9 Cordaville Road).
If you want to do some reading in advance of the meeting check out the latest draft of the legislation (PDF).
