The next step in the evolution of Groveland government takes place Tuesday when a legislative committee takes up the town’s home rule petition to eliminate the department of finance and budget.
The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government hears Groveland’s petition, as presented by Sen. Bruce E. Tarr, during a meeting tomorrow, at 1 p.m., online.
The bill would repeal the 1998 state legislation that established the town department.
“Upon the effective date of this act, the department of finance and budget in the town of Groveland shall be eliminated and the position of finance director shall be abolished and the term of any incumbent thereof terminated,” the bill reads, in part.
Groveland hired Kevin Paicos as interim financial and personnel director in the fall of 2020 in anticipation of town charter changes.
Prior to residents authorizing the Groveland Board of Selectmen to hire a town administrator a year ago, officials recognized there would be a conflict between the new position and the older local finance bylaw. Former Groveland Selectman Joseph D’Amore told WHAV at the time town government was largely shaped by a change in structure approved at Town Meeting in 1954, followed decades later by adding a finance director and then expanding the Board of Selectmen to five members in 2014.
Residents may send comments to the committee by emailing [email protected] and listing bill number S.2742 and “testimony” in the subject. Those who wish to testify live must complete an online form by 5 p.m., Monday.
Sen. John J. Cronin chairs the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government and Rep. Paul F. Tucker is vice chair. Local legislators also on the committee include Sens. Diana DiZoglio, vice chair; Tarr, ranking minority party member; and Rep. Christina A. Minicucci.
Besides Groveland, the Committee will hear petitions from Martha’s Vineyard, Oak Bluffs, Chelsea, Milford and Boston.