Town of Harvard, MA Article 4 TOWN ADMINISTRATOR

Section 4-1 Appointment and Qualifications.

(a) The Select Board shall appoint, by a four-fifths vote, a Town Administrator for an indefinite term. The Town Administrator shall be appointed on the basis of the person's proven administrative ability, especially qualified by education, training, and management experience.

The Town Administrator shall devote full time to the duties of the Office and shall not hold any other elective or appointed office, nor shall the Town Administrator engage in any other business unless the Select Board approves such action in advance in writing.

(b) The Select Board shall establish an employment agreement for a period of time.

Section 4-2 Duties and Responsibilities - General.

(a) Manage the Office of the Select Board.

(b) Work with the Select Board to develop long-range goals and objectives for the Town, including keeping the board informed on the long range needs of the Town and suggesting alternative courses of action.

(c) Manage Town agencies under the jurisdiction of the Select Board and supervise all Town employees, with the exception of school and library employees. Coordinate volunteer members of Town boards with Town departments.

(d) Attend all regular and special meetings of the Select Board and all sessions of the Town Meeting to answer questions that are related to the warrant articles and matters under the general supervision of the Town Administrator.

(e) Administer personnel policies, practices, rules, and regulations, any compensation plans, and any related matters for all municipal employees. Administer all collective bargaining agreements, except for school department agreements, entered into by the Town.

(f) Responsible for purchasing all supplies, materials, and equipment for all departments under the jurisdiction of the Select Board, subject to the approval of the Select Board.

(g) Responsible for the proper maintenance of all Town real property except property under the jurisdiction of the School Committee, provided that the Town Administrator will be responsible for maintenance of property under the jurisdiction of the School Committee if so requested by the School Committee or if provided by statute or bylaw.

(h) Delegate, authorize, or direct any subordinate or employee of the Town to exercise any power, duty, or responsibility that the Town Administrator is authorized to exercise, provided that all acts that are performed under such delegation shall be deemed to be acts of the Town Administrator.

(i) Perform such other duties as necessary or as may be assigned by this Charter, bylaw, Town Meeting vote, or the Select Board.

Section 4-3 Duties and Responsibilities - Hiring.

Together with the Personnel Board, advise the Select Board regarding hiring decisions. Hire other Town employees, except school and library employees, unless otherwise provided by statute or this Charter. Solicit input from the agencies that will be supported by a new employee.

Section 4-4 Duties and Responsibilities - Financial.

(a) Ensure that complete and full records of the financial and administrative activity of the Town are maintained and provide reports to the Select Board as may be required. Monitor and report actual expenditures during the year to the Select Board.

(b) Work with the Select Board and Finance Director to develop the annual Town budget and coordinate the compilation of the capital program with the Select Board, Capital Planning and Investment Committee, Finance Committee, and Finance Director to develop a capital spending plan for approval at Annual Town Meeting. Serve as Select Board's liaison with the Finance and Capital Planning and Investment Committees.

(c) Review and make recommendations to the Select Board on all budget requests of departments reporting to the Select Board.

(d) Approve payroll and Treasury Warrants on behalf of the Select Board.

Section 4-5 Duties and Responsibilities - Community and Economic Development.

(a) Together with a Director of Community and Economic Development, if the Select Board appoints one, work to accomplish the community and economic goals as envisioned by the Select Board.

(b) Develop and further a process that facilitates the development of projects that address the Select Board's development goals.

Section 4-6 Removal or Suspension.

The Select Board may remove or suspend the Town Administrator at a duly noticed public meeting by an affirmative vote of at least four-fifths of its members.