The Sabattus Charter Commission has completed more than nine months of work and has prepared a solid, working document that will help guide the town’s leaders and residents alike for many years.

The commission held open meetings and heard several comments from the public. Many ideas and concerns were debated, but the final proposal does not alter the town’s current form of government, other than changing the local voting day to November (with elected officials taking office in December), and changing the town administrator position to a town manager.

The move to November elections is considered a money-saver by eliminating the March election day costs, and should allow more time for the newly elected officials’ transition and familiarization with the budgets before May town meeting.

The change to a town manager has been discussed for several years, and the results of the commission’s survey showed strong support for this position. The commission offered a very sensible and well-thought plan to make this position a good move for the town.

Copies of the proposed charter will soon be available at the town office and in some businesses around Sabattus, and online at the charter commission’s Web page: www.chartercommission.sabattus.net.

Residents are encouraged to read the proposal. If accepted by voters in November, the charter will serve as the town’s constitution. It can be amended or even revised in the future if needed, but it will always be the guideline for our local government.

Jon R. Mennealy, chairman,

Sabattus Charter Commission