SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, there shall be an appointed treasurer in the town of Northfield. The treasurer shall have all the powers, perform the duties and be subject to the liabilities and penalties now or hereafter conferred and imposed by law on town treasurers. The treasurer shall be appointed, and may be removed, by the board of selectmen of the town. The board of selectmen may establish an employment contract with the treasurer for salary, fringe benefits and other conditions of employment, including, but not limited to: (1) severance pay, (2) reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of the duties of office, (3) liability insurance, (4) conditions of discipline, termination, dismissal, and reappointment, (5) performance standards and (6) leave.

SECTION 2. Notwithstanding section 1, the incumbent holding the office of treasurer of the town of Northfield on the effective date of this act shall continue to hold the office and to perform the duties thereof until the expiration of the term for which the treasurer was elected, unless the treasurer sooner vacates the office. After the term of the incumbent treasurer holding the office on the effective date of this act has expired, or is sooner vacated, the board of selectmen shall appoint a treasurer in the manner set forth in section 1. In the event the incumbent treasurer vacates the position prior to the expiration of the term,  an interim treasurer shall be appointed to serve.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon its passage.