Ads for Town of Bennington in Bennington, VT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF BENNINGTON 6:00 P.M. FEBRUARY 1, 2021 FEBRUARY 8, 2021 VIA ZOOM MEETING Notice is herewith given that the Select Board shall hold Public Hearings at the above time, dates and place to hear comments on the following amendment to the Charter of the Town of Bennington proposed by petition: A new section is proposed to be added to the Bennington Charter, 24 V.S.A. Chapter 103, as follows: 103-407. Mayoral form of government (a) In lieu of a town manager, the voters may adopt a mayoral form of government, by vote at a duly-warned annual meeting, warned pursuant to a petition signed by five percent of the voters or on the Select board's own motion. Once a vote in favor of this form of government is successful, the voters shall elect a mayor at the next annual meeting for a three-year term, Once the mayor takes office, the Town Manager system of governance shall end for Bennington. (b) The mayor shall be responsible for the management of the administrative affairs of the Town, in the same manner and with the same powers and responsibilities as the Town Manager, as stated in statute and this charter. (c) The mayor shall have the power to veto any action of the Select board. (d) The Select board shall have the authority to override the mayor's veto by a vote of five members of the board taken at a regular meeting. Within 30 days of the vote to override, voters may petition for a binding referendum on the issue by a petition signed by five percent of the voters. At a special meeting held within 60 days of the receipt of the petition, the voters shall decide whether to uphold the mayor's veto. (e) The compensation for the mayor shall be set by the Select board based on comparable salaries and benefits for a town manager. (f) The mayor shall serve as the voice of the Town of Bennington, taking responsibility for implementing the policies of the Select board, leading the Town toward greater prosperity and a healthy economy, and a better life for all its residents. Dated this 14th Day of December, 2020, by the Bennington Select Board: Donald A, Campbell, Chair For the Bennington Select Board AD# 53621 12/19/2020