SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law, or by-law to the contrary, the number of members of the select board of the town of Sterling shall be increased to 5 members. At the next annual town election occurring at least 64 days following the effective date of this act, the town shall elect 2 members in addition to the 1 member otherwise to be elected. One member shall be elected for a 2-year term and 1 member for a 3-year term. Thereafter, all members of the select board shall be elected for 3-year terms. The terms of those members currently serving on the select board at the time of the adoption of this act shall be unchanged.

SECTION 2. This act shall be submitted to the voters of the town of Sterling for acceptance at an annual or special town election in the form of the following question, which shall be placed on the official ballot:-

Shall an act passed by the General Court in the year 2023, entitled, "An Act Providing for an Increase in the Membership of the Select Board in the Town of Sterling" be accepted?

Below the question shall appear a summary of the act prepared by town counsel and approved by the select board. If a majority of the votes cast in answer to the question is in the affirmative, section 1 of this act shall take effect in the town of Sterling, but not otherwise.

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