NORWAY — The Board of Selectmen has voted to retain the current form of town government, after weeks of considering alternatives.

Town Manager David Holt told selectmen in September that it could benefit them to look at other forms of government as a way of adjusting to the exodus of department heads over the next few years. 

In October, Selectman Thomas Curtis suggested Holt research the issue.

At a meeting Thursday night, Holt said, “The question becomes this: Does the board want to establish a charter commission to do the work and study different forms of town government?”

“That’s the way we properly go into changing things,” he said. “We keep discussing this over and over, but I’ve given you examples of town government suitable for Norway.”

Curtis said he had been looking at the pros and cons, trying to figure out which form would best fit the town when Holt retires.

“From my way of looking at it, if we agreed to a form of government that eliminated the town manager, it would be up to the select board to essentially assume all responsibilities of the town manager, and they’re extensive,” Curtis said. “I’m not so certain that all of us, or any future board members, would be willing to assume that responsibility.”

While Holt offered to do more research after Thursday’s meeting, Selectman Bruce Cook said he “completely agreed” with Curtis, and would be willing to take a vote “right now.”

Chairman Russell Newcomb called for a vote, which was unanimous in favor of retaining the town manager/board of selectmen structure.

mdaigle@sunmediagroup.net