Campbell, sponsor of a citizen warrant article proposing to amend Charter Section 2‑1 to require two sessions of the annual town meeting, presented the proposal and answered committee questions about intent and drafting.

“It's about trying to increase participation on the voter side,” Campbell told the committee, saying a single warrant divided into two sessions could make the meeting more accessible for residents with springtime work demands.

Town Counsel John Georgiou explained the legal process for charter amendments: passage would require a two‑thirds vote at town meeting, approval by the Attorney General, and then voter approval at the next annual election in the form of a ballot question. Georgiou also said the proposal could designate both sessions as ‘annual town meeting’ for purposes of state law and noted administrative impacts — including continuous staff and volunteer workload and potential quorum implications.

Committee members asked about printing and administrative costs, scheduling, and whether similar results could be achieved using existing select‑board discretion and special town meetings. Libby, the Town Administrator, reminded the committee that the town already frequently holds fall special town meetings and that mandating two sessions would formalize rather than create many of those activities; she also cited budget and staff impacts.

After discussion, Finance Committee member Peter moved “not to adopt” the charter amendment; the motion was seconded. The committee recorded a roll‑call vote in which members voted in favor of the motion not to adopt: Jill, Joanna, Steven, Chris, Rob, Jeremy, Peter, Denise and Joe cast aye votes. The motion carried and the Finance Committee recommended against adopting the charter amendment at this time.

Because this is a charter amendment the ultimate path to enactment would require a two‑thirds vote at Town Meeting, Attorney General approval and ratification by voters at the subsequent election; the committee’s vote is a recommendation for the warrant and not a final town‑meeting determination.