Assembly Bill 214 proposes several changes to the procedures governing town clerks and treasurers, as well as budget publication requirements and highway discontinuance. The bill allows towns of any population size to transition from elected to appointed clerks and treasurers through a vote at a town meeting, rather than requiring a referendum for smaller towns. It also permits the combination of the clerk and treasurer positions to take effect immediately upon vacancy, rather than waiting for the end of the current term. Additionally, the bill expands the authority of town treasurers to appoint multiple deputies and removes the residency requirement for deputy clerks and treasurers.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the publication requirements for proposed budget summaries and notices of public hearings, aligning towns with the more flexible options available to cities and villages. It also eliminates the travel exception in determining when a highway ceases to be a public highway, which previously allowed certain highways to remain public if they had been traveled or worked on within four years of being laid out. Overall, these changes aim to streamline town governance and enhance local decision-making capabilities.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 60.10(1)(b)2m, 60.10, 60.30(1e)(f), 60.30, 60.331, 60.341, 65.90(3)(a)1, 65.90, 82.19(2)(a), 82.19