Hopkinton Charter

May 17, 2004 – Annual town election - Voters approve Charter Commission and nine-member commission is elected.
Within 45 days after election – Hold first public hearing (occurred on June 23, 2004)
Within sixteen months after election – (may be accomplished within eight months in most towns)

o Publish a preliminary report in a local newspaper

o Make a report available to any registered voter who requests it

o Send two copies each to the state Attorney General and state Executive Office of Communities and Development

Within four weeks after publication of preliminary report

o The Attorney General furnishes the commission with a written opinion that sets forth any constitutional conflicts.

o Hold a second public hearing

Within four weeks after receiving the preliminary report

o The Attorney General furnishes a legal opinion of the proposal

Within 18 months after the election (may be accomplished within 10 months in most towns)

o Submit final report to board of selectmen

o Send copies to state Attorney general and Executive Office of Communities and Development

At the first regular local election two months or more after the final report is submitted

o If the charter commission recommends a charter, voters must approve or disapprove the charter

At least two weeks before the election

o The board of selectmen must distribute a copy of the charter commission’s final report to each residence where registered voters live. Copies must also be available in the office of the town clerk