The Charter Question Defined

Bob Bixby was Chairman of the Charter Revision Commission for the Town of Winchester.

I am sure that by now everyone in town is aware that there is an additional line on the ballot on November 6. But just in case you were not aware of it, the question appears on the top line. This is a very important question which you should not miss answering. It asks: "Shall the Town of Winchester Charter be amended to change the method of adoption of the annual budget?" Since I was the chairman of the Charter Revision Commission, let me explain what this means. I will quote the Town Charter as it reads now with regards to voting on the budget (taxes).

Section 1101. POWER TO ADOPT BUDGET

The sole power to adopt the annual budget of the Town shall rest in the Town of Winchester acting by Annual Town Budget Meeting at which the electors shall vote upon the town budget as presented by the Board of Selectmen. The electors shall have the power to amend, but not increase, any line item.

Section 1102. ANNUAL BUDGET MEETING

The Annual Budget Meeting shall be held on the first Monday in May which shall be adjourned from time to time until the annual budget is adopted.

Section 1108. ADOPTION OF BUDGET

A. The budget shall become effective when approved at the Annual Town Budget Meeting as provided, in section 1102, and an official copy shall be filed with the Town Clerk. If the budget is not adopted at the Annual Town Budget Meeting, the meeting shall be adjourned to a date no less than two (2) weeks from the date of adjournment. At the resumption of the meeting, the Board of Selectmen shall resubmit an annual budget as set forth above. The Annual Town Budget Meeting shall be adjourned from time to time, as set forth above until a budget is adopted. At the Annual Town Budget Meeting, or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Selectmen shall present an estimate of the tax rate in mills which shall be levied on the taxable property in the Town for the new fiscal year.

B. In the event that the Annual Town Budget Meeting fails to adopt a budget, the Town shall operate on a budget equal to that of the preceding fiscal year until such time as a new budget shall be approved by an adjourned Annual Town Budget Meeting.

Now I will quote the way that the Charter will read if you, the voters, vote "yes" on the Charter question.

Section 1101. POWER TO ADOPT BUDGET

Electors of the Town, acting at the Annual Town Budget meeting and referendum, shall have the sole power to amend and adopt the annual budget of the Town of Winchester as set forth in this Article.

Section 1102. ANNUAL BUDGET MEETING

A. The Annual Budget Meeting shall be held on the first Monday in May at 7 p.m., which shall be adjourned from time to time until the annual budget is adopted.

B. Prior to adjournment to budget referendum, the electors at the Annual Town Budget Meeting shall review the budget as presented by the Board of Selectmen and the electors shall have the power to amend, but not increase, any line item of the budget. Voting on line items shall be by machine.

C. The Annual Town Budget Meeting shall be adjourned to an 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. referendum to be held on a date not less that twenty-one days and not more than twenty-eight days following the Annual Town Budget Meeting.

Section 1108 ADOPTION OF BUDGET

A. The budget shall become effective when approved at the referendum by machine vote, following the Annual Town Budget Meeting as provided in Section 1102, and an official copy shall be filed with the Town Clerk. If the budget is not adopted at the referendum, the Annual Town Budget Meeting shall be rescheduled to a date, no less than fourteen days nor more than 28 days from the date of the referendum. At the resumption of the meeting, the Board of Selectmen shall submit an annual budget as set forth in this Article. This process to be repeated until a budget is adopted.

B. At any Annual Town Budget Meeting the Board of Selectmen shall present an estimate of the tax rate in mills that shall be levied on the taxable property in the town for the new fiscal year.

C. In the event that the Annual Town Budget Meeting fails to adopt a budget, the town shall operate on a budget equal to that of the preceding fiscal year, until such time as the Annual Town Meeting at referendum shall approve a budget.

You should carefully consider what this change means to you. If you cannot make it to the Annual Town Meeting but you still want to vote on your taxes at an all-day referendum, you should vote for this change. If you are unable to attend the Annual Town Meeting or make it to the polls and you need to vote by absentee ballot, you should vote "yes" to the change. If you want the voting on taxes to be done only at the Annual Town Meeting, then you should not approve the change.