Archive Record
Metadata
Catalog Number |
WNT 1100.30 |
Title |
Town Government, Charter & Bylaws |
Collection |
Town Records |
Object Name |
Records |
Scope & Content |
This collection contains documents and publications specific to the Town's bylaws and home-rule charter. |
Admin/Biographical History |
The first local Code of By-Laws extant in the collections was adopted by the town in 1862 and approved by the Superior Court in January of 1863. Since the town's population and municipal needs grew significantly in the early 20th century, a Committee of 15 was appointed by the 1915 Town Meeting to consider possible changes in the form of town government. That group made the first recommendation for a method known as the Town Manager Plan. The proposal was hotly debated in town in 1917. Though proponents argued that the new model would be more efficient, some opponents viewed the reduction of elected positions that would be resulted as undemocratic. The proposal was defeated by a large majority. In 1975, Winchester finally accepted the town-manager form of government until 1975 when it adopted a charter. Important differences between the charter and the existing bylaws include the charter assembling all of the information concerning the governmental structure into a single comprehensive document, the expanded number of Town Meeting members, institution of a town manager, creation of a combined department of public works, change of some positions from elected to appointed, and establishment of clear-cut budget procedures. |
Copyrights |
Permission to publish material from this collection is subject to approval by the Town of Winchester. |
Finding Aids |
A finding aid with detailed information about the contents of the collection is available. Contact the Archives for a copy. |
Search Terms |
Charter Bylaws |
Containers |
By-Laws & Amendments 19th century By-Laws & Amendments 20th century Acts of 1917 Study Committee Town Charter |