Subcommittee backs Waverly charter update to allow town manager and council‑selected mayor

Senator Eyre introduced Senate Bill 281 on behalf of the town of Waverly in Sussex County, asking the County, Cities and Towns subcommittee to approve a local charter update that would shift the town from a strong‑mayor system to one where the mayor is chosen by the council and a professional town manager handles daily operations. "The bill basically updates their 1926 charter," Eyre said, describing the change as a way to modernize town governance.

The bill would keep the town council fully elected by voters while allowing the mayor to be selected from among council members and enabling the council to hire a qualified town manager. During questioning, Delegate Martinez asked whether the council terms would be staggered; Eyre replied the council terms are two years and recur every two years.

No members of the public signed up to speak in favor or opposition. Following the presentation and opportunity for questions, Senator Eyre moved to report the bill out of subcommittee. The clerk recorded a roll call: the subcommittee recommended reporting SB 281 by a vote of 7 to 0.

The action moves the local charter request to the next committee stage for further consideration.