What is an Open Town Meeting?

In an Open Town Meeting form of government, every registered voter may attend, speak and vote.  Under state law, attendance must be in person; no absentee voting is permitted in a Massachusetts Town Meeting.  State law also requires the Town to hold at least one Town Meeting each year in the spring.  This is the Annual Town Meeting, and its principal business is to appropriate money to fund Town expenses for the fiscal year which starts the following July 1st.  Money can be provided by appropriation directly against the municipal tax rate levied on real and personal property, or money may be borrowed within limits set by the State. Any additional Town Meetings that are called (at the Select Board's order) are considered "Special Town Meetings".

Town Meeting Process

The Moderator, who presides at the Meeting, is elected each year at the annual Town Election.  The Moderator will be on the stage, as will the Town Clerk.  The Finance Committee and Select Board, along with the Town Manager, will be seated at tables by the stage.  

The Moderator will call each Article and its sponsor will make a motion.  After the motion has been seconded, a debate will start according to Town Meeting rules of order as set forth in the book, Town Meeting Time, which is available at the Town libraries. The Moderator will recognize the speakers, rule on motions and amendments with respect to conformance to parliamentary procedure, and call for votes.  The recommendations of Town Committees may be made on each Article.  For additional information on the conduct of the Meeting, refer to the pamphlet "Concord Town Meeting Traditions and Procedures" which is available on the Town’s website www.concordma.gov, from the Town Clerk's office in the Town House, or in the lobby as you enter Town Meeting.  

Town Meeting is an important democratic institution open to all Concord registered voters and is Concord’s legislative body.  The procedures are simple, and all have a right to attend and be heard.  On each Article you will hear a formal presentation and recommendations from citizen committees.  You may speak on the issues if you wish and then cast your vote.  By this process, the decisions made are based on the collective will and wisdom of the Meeting.  We encourage your active participation, particularly for those Articles that are of greatest importance to you.  

Consent Calendar

The consent calendar, which is intended to expedite action on Articles that are expected to be non-controversial. Also consistent with recent procedures, certain Articles that attract a high level of community interest may be scheduled for specific dates and times.  (Please watch for advance notice in the local media.)  Other Articles will be taken up in accordance with the order of the Warrant until the conclusion of the Warrant

Serving the Community

If you would like to serve your community as a volunteer member of a Town Board or Committee, or on a short-term assignment, bring yourself to the attention of the appointing authorities by filling out a "Green Card" and submitting it online, or to the Secretary of the Select Board in the Town House, 22 Monument Square, PO Box 535.