Here's Your Chance to Have Input Into How the Town Runs

A committee is forming to look into Burlington's government structure, and you could be a part of it.

Burlington's government was formed in 1790, nine years before the town broke off from Woburn and became independently incorporated. From then until 1970, the government structure was that of an Open Town Meeting, where any resident can come to Town Meeting and vote on the warrant articles. Most Massachusetts towns (around 90%) still operate as Open Town Meetings.

In 1970, the town converted to a Representative Town Meeting type of government via a special act, and Burlington residents began electing the Town Meeting Members that would represent each precinct in Town Meeting.

Since then, Burlington's government structure remains largely unchanged.

A committee was formed in 2018 to look into the government's structure and see if there was any way to make the town run more efficiently. Several recommendations came out of that Committee, though only one—the conversion of the Treasurer/Collector role from elected to appointed—has been officially implemented up to this point.

This budget season, town departments have been working to try and streamline processes and positions. There is also a question on April's election ballot about converting the Town Clerk from elected to appointed. A communications audit was performed a couple of years ago in collaboration with the Collins Center at UMass Boston, and the town hopes to add a communication role to their payroll this budget season.

And here's where you come in. The town has once again contracted with the Collins Center, this time to perform a review of Burlington's town government structure. The town is looking for residents representing many different perspectives to, in the words of the town's press release:

• Ensure Burlington’s government is effective, efficient, accountable, and transparent
• Review and refine our town’s governing structure for future success
• Help codify best practices while modernizing outdated policies
• Consider potential updates such as a Town Manager leadership model, referendums, and recall provisions.

The committee will meet twice monthly for 12-18 months, guided by Collins Center staff. If you're interested in and passionate about local government, and/or if you've had experience streamlining corporate organizational structure, this committee is your chance to give back to the community. The town goes on to add that they're seeking "community-minded individuals who are:

• Open to diverse perspectives and committed to fair, inclusive discussions.
• Willing to research, analyze, and collaborate to develop thoughtful recommendations.
• Are available for 2 meetings a month for 12-18 months

To apply, submit your letter of interest to selectboard@burlington.org.