HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 4816        FILED ON: 1/21/2020

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Linda Dean Campbell

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act to strengthen legislative oversight of city finances in the city of Methuen.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 4816        FILED ON: 1/21/2020

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-First General Court
(2019-2020)

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An Act to strengthen legislative oversight of city finances in the city of Methuen.

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

SECTION 1. Section 3(k) of Chapter 278 of the Acts of 2018 is hereby amended by adding the phrase “city accountant, or position performing similar duties,” before the phrase “board of assessors”.

SECTION 2. Section 2-8(a) of the Methuen Home Rule Charter is hereby deleted and replaced by Section 2-8(a)(1) and 2-8(a)(2) as follows:

“(a)(1) City Accountant – The city accountant shall report to and be under the direction of the chief administrative and financial officer under Section 3(k) of Chapter 278 of the Acts of 2018.

(a)(2) Fiscal Analyst – The City Council shall, on or before January fifteenth in off numbered years, elect, by ballot or otherwise, a Fiscal Analyst to hold office for a term of two years and until his/her successor is qualified.

The Fiscal Analyst shall perform a legislative oversight and a post-audit function. He/she shall have free access to all books, accounts, bills and vouchers of the City and shall continually review and examine the same. He/she shall make periodic reports thereon to the City Council, with such frequency as the City Council by ordinance, by rule or by other vote may direct, but not less frequently than quarterly. All officials of the City shall cooperate with the Fiscal Analyst in the performance of this oversight function.

The Fiscal Analyst shall have such other powers and duties as may be provided by Charter, by ordinance, or by other vote of the City Council.”

SECTION 3. Section 2-8(d) of the Methuen Home Rule Charter is hereby deleted and replaced as follows:

“(d) Salaries – The City Council shall set the salaries of the Fiscal Analyst, Clerk of the Council, Mayor and City Solicitor. (Approved, in part, by voters November 5th, 1985; see Resolution #1380 and Chapter 182 of the Acts and Resolves of 1985).”

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon passage.