Wellesley Ballot Question Key in Future of Town's Government

A question on Tuesday’s ballot will determine whether the town of Wellesley keeps its small town leadership or adopt a Board of Selectmen-Town Manager form of government.

If approved by residents of Wellesley, they would then have to elect a Board of Selectmen. The Board would appoint a Town Manager, responsible for all budgets, hires and administrative tasks for the town. According to the website Yes for Wellesley’s Future, which supports the proposal, Wellesley currently does not have a city official with the authority to field all of those duties.

Proponents of the change - which include Gov. Charlie Baker - say the town’s size, budget and workforce have grown to such an extent that a Town Manager is necessary. According to Yes for Wellesley’s Future, over the past two decades the town’s workforce has grown by 30 percent and its budget has tripled. However, some residents say they’d still prefer a localized government, citing concerns over streamlining a number of voices and opinions into one governing body.

If approved, the process of appointing a Town Manager would likely take up to six months.

Voting will be held 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15.