Dartmouth’s Select Board is seeking civic-minded residents to review the town charter and make recommendations for amendments to the Fall Town Meeting in 2021.

Every 10 years, the town charter is reviewed by a committee made up of nine community members appointed by various municipal bodies: two by the Select Board, two by the Finance Committee, two by the School Committee, one by the Planning board, and two by the Town Moderator.

The charter operates as a sort of ‘constitution’ for the town, setting out limits of authority for all town officials, including elected boards and committees, and establishing town government procedures.

This year is a charter review year. Any amendments to the charter approved by Town Meeting will be placed on the ballot at the next town election for voters to decide. 

Residents interested in being on the committee and willing to commit to a lengthy review process finishing in October 2021 may submit letters of interest and qualifications to selectboard@town.dartmouth.ma.us, or mail to Select Board Office, 400 Slocum Road, Dartmouth, MA 02747 by August 20, 2020.