The organization of the town into operating departments, divisions, agencies and offices may be accomplished by either of the methods provided in this section.
(a)
Bylaw-The town meeting may, subject to state statute and the provisions of this charter, reorganize, consolidate or abolish all town boards, commissions, committees, departments, offices or agencies, in whole or in part; establish such new boards, commissions, committees, departments, offices or agencies as they deem necessary and may, by bylaw, prescribe the functions of all such entities; provided, however, that no function assigned by this charter to a particular department, office, agency, board, commission or committee may be discontinued, or, unless this charter specifically so provides, assigned to any other.
(b)
Administrative Code.
(1)
The board of selectmen, after consultation with the administrative officer, may prepare, and may from time to time amend an administrative code which establishes operating departments for the efficient and convenient conduct of business of the town.
(2)
The board of selectmen shall hold one or more public hearings on a proposed code or any amendments thereto, giving notice by publication in one or more newspapers having general circulation within the town at least seven days prior to the hearing.
(3)
An administrative code or any amendments thereto shall become effective upon the adjournment of the next session of town meeting held not sooner than 30 days after the plan is adopted by the board of selectmen, unless it is rejected at that session by a majority vote. The town meeting may vote only to approve or disapprove the plan and may not vote to amend or alter it.
(4)
The administrative code may, subject to state statute and this charter, reorganize, consolidate or abolish all town boards, departments, committees, commissions or offices, in whole or in part; establish such new boards, department, committees, commissions and offices as they deem necessary; and for such purpose transfer the duties and powers, and so far as is consistent with the use for which the funds were voted by the town, transfer the appropriation of one board, department, committee, commission or office to another; provided, however, that no function assigned by this charter to a particular department, office, agency, board, commission or committee may be discontinued, or unless this charter specifically so provides, assigned to any other.