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08/26/2020 08:08 AMThe Ad-hoc Government Study Committee, formed early this year to look at possible large changes to Madison’s fundamental government structure, delivered what might have been its final report—though that was far from clear after it presented to the Board of Selectmen (BOS) on Aug. 24.
Rather than deliver a recommendation one way or another, Committee Chair Bob Polito said the decision had been to create a report that would identify problems in the government’s structure and propose solutions, as committee members had failed to reach a consensus on whether or not to recommend a foundational change.
In a wide-ranging discussion, Board of Selectmen and committee members went over everything from communication issues to term limits to website design.
Though Polito said he had advocated for recommending Madison transition to a town manager form of government, where an appointed, accredited professional makes daily operation decisions, other committee members disagreed.
Committee members also disagreed when asked if they could come up with a firmer recommendation if given more time or resources or whether it made more sense to hand off their research to a planned charter review commission, which is governed by state statute and would likely take a more granular look at the town’s government.
In the end, First Selectman Peggy Lyons said the BOS would take up the discussion at its next meeting in September, potentially “providing some guidance on where we feel you could get additional information,” as well as offering “financial resources” if the committee is asked to continue working.
The full Government Study report can be read on the town’s website at www.madisonct.org.