SABATTUS – A new Town Charter that will take effect in July 2007 creates a town-manager style of government, eliminating the position of town administrator.

The charter was approved Tuesday by a vote of 1,128 to 681.

The document maintains the five-member Board of Selectmen, but changes the start of their terms to early December to allow elected officials more time to become familiar with the budget process. The adjustment in the start of terms extends to School Committee members.

The charter also establishes a Budget Committee of six elected members and three appointed members. They will serve staggered, three-year terms, with two members being elected and one member appointed by selectmen each year.

To help with the tax commitment, the charter also requires the annual town budget proposal to be due by March 1 of each year; the school budget is due by April 15.

Union contractual labor agreements are exempt from this practice. An emergency clause is included to allow selectmen to borrow as needed in case of disasters which directly affect public health and life.