The continuity, professionalism and expertise provided by a town manager are a benefit to any community, and as Hollis voters consider the prospect, we would note that this significant improvement to the town may be possible without a major expenditure.
Voters on Nov. 8 will simply be asked if the Hollis Board of Selectmen should put forth a plan that would provide for a full-time town manager or administrator position. The vote wouldn’t authorize the board to establish the position, but would rather allow them to study the feasibility thereof and propose a plan for voter approval.
Voting yes on this measure, Article 3 on the town ballot, will give the town an opportunity to take a full assessment of its needs and, if they determine that a town manager or administrator would be the best option to serve the town, figure out how to pay for that position.
Currently, selectmen receive pay and health benefits, so if they’re willing to take cuts in those areas in exchange for less work and responsibility, this idea just might work.
In small towns, selectmen are up for election every few years and anyone who has been in the position will acknowledge the learning curve of the first term. To have a town manager on staff is to have someone who is easily accessible to residents and the press during business hours, rather than a small contingent of people who have day jobs and keep sporadic town hall hours. A manager would also be experienced in areas of municipal law and processes ”“ helping to move along town matters with less confusion and error than is often found when issues are dealt with by the average citizen who has stepped up to represent his or her neighbors.
Selectmen still make the decisions, since they are the residents of the town, but a manager can really help to organize information and be a contact point for those who want to get on the meeting agenda. He or she could also advise the board about the best course of action in different situations and what the impact might be from their decisions.
Taking on a new position will be an expense, no doubt, but if voters give their approval for the town to look into this option, we’re confident they can find a way to do it with a minimal increase, if any, and the residents will notice the difference in their town government. Either way, they’ll have a chance to vote on the actual proposal in the near future, complete with a figure for the person’s salary and a description of what they would do.
Voting yes on Article 3 will simply allow the town to look into it and hash out the details.
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Today’s editorial was written by Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via e-mail at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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