HISTORY

In Massachusetts, cities and towns have considerable control over how they govern themselves. Under the "Home Rule Charter Provision," cities and towns can make changes to their governing process. More information can be found here .

In 1986, and again in 2004, the Department of Revenue (Division of Local Services), at the Town's request, reviewed Groton’s governmental structure. Those reports are on file in the Selectmen's office.

The most important findings and recommendations of the 2004 study are:

Overview of Financial Management

• Need for a Town Charter
• Need for a Town Manager
• Implement Employee Performance Reviews
• Assign Personnel administration responsibilities
• Begin budget process with revenue projections
• Formalize the budget calendar
• Review and adopt financial policies
• Create formula for PILOTS
• Plan for a self-sufficient Groton Country Club

Computers and Technology

• Plan for full-time technology position
• Explore ways to enhance training
• Centralize technology decisions

Tax Collector/Treasurer

• Review relationship with deputy collector
• Consider lockbox for town collector

Assessors

• Discontinue manual records
• Limit deeds sent to outside engineering firm; consider records disposition
• Send address and map/lot changes to collector
• Extend building permit inspections
• Increase staff's training on Patriot software
• Retain copies of receipts

Accountant

• Review office technology relative to Harper's payroll software, employee time sheets, MIP payroll module and data transfer from Excel
• Develop a recreation department cash flow budget
• Add detail to payroll warrant

Many of the recommendations of that report have been implemented. One of the most important recommendations – installing a Town Manager – has not yet been done.

One of the Selectmen’s goals for 2006 and 2007 was to review our current form of government and decide whether any changes might be warranted. Towards this end they appointed a Blue Ribbon Governance Committee to study and possibly propose changes to Groton's form of government. These web pages reflect the results of that effort.

Major governmental change can only work if there is considerable interaction and communication of issues among and between townspeople and municipal employees. Support for change must be broad-based and not represent the views of a single person or group. The Blue Ribbon Governance Committee has met many times to elicit input from, and provide information to, many Town groups and departments. Successful implementation of change requires substantial community involvement -- the State Legislature will only consider a Charter application if there has been significant review and discussion among concerned citizens.

The Fall Special Town Meeting of 2007 approved the proposed charter and sent it off to the State Legislature for approval. If this is approved by the Legislature before the elections in the Spring of 2008, acceptance of the Charter will be on the ballot for the spring elections. If the ballot question passes, the Charter will go into effect.