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POWERS AND DUTIES
The following excerpts from the Town Manager Act describe the essential Powers and Duties of the Town Manager:
SECTION 15. Powers and Duties of Manager. In addition to the specific powers and duties provided in this act the Town Manager shall have the general powers and duties enumerated in this section:
The Town Manager shall supervise and direct the administration of all departments, commissions, boards and offices, except the Board of Selectmen, the School Committee, Moderator, Town Clerk, Town Treasurer and Collector, Comptroller and Coordinator of Data Processing, Assessors, Registrars of Voters, Election Officers, Boards of Appeal, the Finance Committee, the Capital Budget Committee and the Personnel Review and Appeals Board.
The Town Manager, in accordance with the provisions of this act and except as otherwise expressly prohibited by the General Laws, may reorganize, consolidate or abolish departments, commissions, boards or offices under his direction and supervision, in whole or in part, may establish such new departments, commissions, boards and offices as he deems necessary and make appointments to such boards, subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen. He may in connection with such transfer of such powers or duties transfer the duties and powers of one department, commission, board or office to another and may, with the approval and consent of the finance committee, transfer the appropriation of such one department, commission, board or office to another. The Town Manager may temporarily establish such new
positions, as he deems necessary and appoint temporary employees thereto. Such positions shall be placed under the Classification and Pay Plans at the next succeeding special or annual town meeting.
The Town Manager shall appoint upon merit and fitness alone, and may transfer and remove all officers and employees of the town, including maintenance employees of the school department and school custodians, but excluding other employees of the school department. Subject to all applicable provisions of chapter thirty-one of the General Laws, and subject to the classification plan as established now or hereafter by the town by-laws, the Town Manager shall fix the compensation of all town officers and employees subject to removal by him.
The Town Manager shall purchase all supplies and materials and equipment, except educational supplies, and books for schools, and books for libraries. Except as otherwise herein provided, he shall award all contracts for all departments of the town.
The Town Manager shall, with the approval of the Selectmen, have authority to prosecute, defend and compromise all litigation, except that which pertains to tax assessments and abatements, to which the town is a party, and to employ special counsel to assist the Town Counsel whenever in his judgment it may be necessary.
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