During a recent government meeting, officials engaged in a robust discussion regarding the town's governance structure, focusing on whether to maintain the current representative town meeting model or consider alternative forms of government, such as a town council or city structure. The conversation highlighted the need for a thorough evaluation of the existing governance framework before making any significant changes.

Members expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the current system, with some suggesting that a more frequent meeting schedule, akin to a town council, could enhance communication and responsiveness to community needs. The idea of consulting with neighboring towns that have successfully transitioned to different governance models was proposed, with a particular interest in learning from Amesbury and Gloucester.

The committee emphasized the importance of gathering diverse opinions from both residents and those currently operating within the system. A survey to assess public sentiment regarding the effectiveness of the current governance was discussed, aiming to understand whether residents feel their needs are being met.

Additionally, the meeting underscored the necessity of reviewing the town's existing governance documents, specifically the Town Meeting Act and the Town Manager Act, to identify areas that may require revision. Members agreed that understanding the current structure and its challenges is crucial before jumping to conclusions about potential changes.

As the committee prepares for future meetings, they plan to invite key figures, such as the town clerk and treasurer, to provide insights into how the current governance impacts their roles and the community at large. The goal is to build a comprehensive understanding of the town's operations, which will inform any recommendations for changes to the governance structure.