Generally, a Moderator’s job is to run the Town Meeting. Specifically, the moderator declares the outcome of all voice votes, and calls for other types of votes when needed. Some towns have detailed by-laws governing Town Meeting procedure. Other towns leave a lot of discretion to the moderator.
Moderators are usually elected at the Town Election at which voters go to their regular polling places. The term of office is one or three years. When the elected moderator is absent, a temporary moderator may be elected at the Town Meeting.
In the Town of Hawley, it is the duty of the Town Moderator to appoint the members of the Finance Committee. Exercise of this responsibility helps infuse a system of “checks and balances,” into the financial management of the Town.
