A.
It is the intent of this Administrative Code to consolidate into operating divisions similar and related functions of municipal government and services which are performed on a daily or regular basis.
B.
It is the intent of this Administrative Code to establish five operating divisions. These divisions shall be designated as: Public Safety, Public Works, Health and Inspection, Finance and Records, and Human Services.
C.
It is the intent of this Administrative Code to delineate operating divisions as line functions generally under the administrative direction of the Administrative Officer, who shall be responsible for carrying out the broad policy of the Board of Selectmen and the specific policies of the various commissions, boards, officers, authorities and committees in the Administrative Division.
D.
It is the intent of this Administrative Code to permit each operating head to have broad direct supervisory authority to carry out the administrative duties and obligations of his respective department or office, under the general administrative direction of the Administrative Officer to whom such operating heads shall report and be responsible.
E.
Powers and duties. Each operating department and department head or officer or agent shall, in conformity with the provisions of the Northborough Home Rule Charter, town bylaws and this Administrative Code, have all of the powers and duties and obligations that they may have under the Constitution, laws of the commonwealth and state agency rules and regulations. Under the general administrative direction of the Administrative Officer, each operating head shall:
(1)
Direct and supervise the subordinate officers and employees of his department or office, and make, alter and enforce individual work assignments.
(2)
Maintain a current table of organization and personnel record.
(3)
Approve or disapprove payrolls, bills and claims chargeable to departmental appropriations.
(4)
Annually develop and submit an operating budget and a capital improvement plan and budget and exercise direct control over approved budgets.
(5)
Have immediate control over all town property used by the department or office.
(6)
Make all rules and regulations for the department or office, which shall be subject to the final approval of the Administrative Officer.
(7)
Report to the Administrative Officer from time to time as required.
F.
Delegation of appointment and removal authority. It is the intent of the Administrative Code to permit delegation of appointment and removal authority from the Administrative Officer to operating heads and officers within the following provisions. Nothing in these provisions shall be construed as removing the ultimate responsibility for appointments under Section 4-4 (a) of the Northborough Home Rule Charter from the Administrative Officer.
G.
Appointments: supervisory personnel. Each operating head and officer shall be delegated the power to recruit and appoint his supervisory personnel by the Administrative Officer. All such appointments shall be subject to the final approval of the Administrative Officer. Operating heads and officers may exercise this delegation of authority so long as there is a written hiring policy for their operating area consistent with the town’s Consolidated Personnel Bylaw and approved by the Administrative Officer.
H.
Appointments: all other personnel. Each operating head and officer shall be delegated the power to recruit and appoint all other subordinates by the Administrative Officer without his final approval. Operating heads and officers may exercise this delegation of authority so long as there is a written policy for their operating area that is consistent with the town’s Consolidated Personnel Bylaw and that is approved by the Administrative Officer.
I.
Qualifications, general. All positions shall be filled by the most qualified person available and who will accept the responsibility of the position, without regard to race, religious creed, color, age, sex or national origin. Criteria for selection shall be specialized training or experience or education.