Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

Section 55 of chapter 41 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 1996 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out the fourth sentence and inserting in place thereof the following two sentences:- The town accountant shall be sworn to the faithful performance of his duties, shall hold no other town office involving the receipt or disbursement of money, shall hold office for three years and until a successor is qualified; provided, however, that at the discretion of the appointing authority, a person may be appointed to the position of town accountant for a term of not more than five years and until a successor is qualified. The town clerk, if he holds no other office involving the receipt or disbursement of money, may be appointed to the position of town accountant.