LISBON – The nine-member Charter Commission has tentatively agreed to recommend that a seven-member town council replace the annual town meeting, with bond issues to go before voters to be approved by secret ballot.

Many residents have said the decline in town meeting attendance in the last few years is the major reason for Lisbon to change its form of government.

The Charter Commission, formed to recommend a new town charter, held a public hearing in late September and has been meeting biweekly since. Members have been reviewing the current system of local government, currently made up of a town manager, selectmen and town meeting. The panel is examining alternatives such as a town council with no town meeting, a town council with a budgetary town meeting only, and a referendum town meeting.

The commission will be reviewing other charter provisions and anticipates a vote on its recommended charter in June, after further public hearings, said Chairman J. Michal Huston.

The Charter Commission was approved by voters on May 15. Three members – Bill Bauer, Connie Moran and E. Charles Smith – were appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The remaining six members – J. Michael Huston, Ken Wells, David Bowie, David Hale, Robert Berube and Warren Greim – were elected by voters on Aug. 7.

The commission is accepting voters’ comments, which may be sent to [email protected]. The public is welcome at all meetings.