Burlington Government Review Committee Defers Town Administrator Title Decision, Awaits Survey Results

BURLINGTON -- May 12, 2026, Burlington's Government Review Committee deferred a decision on whether to rename the town's chief administrator from "town administrator" to "town manager," agreeing to await results from a community governance survey that had collected 641 responses, roughly 80 percent of its three-percent target, as of May 11. Town Clerk Jen Priest appeared before the committee to discuss her office's scope, including vital records, election administration, and records retention for all town boards, noting that Burlington's death records are unusually high in volume because the town hosts a Level 1 trauma center. Priest, who won her seat in an election after her predecessor announced retirement, said she "sees the pros and cons of both sides" on whether the clerk's position should be elected or appointed. Russell Miner told the committee that the Massachusetts Division of Local Services shows 71 percent of Massachusetts towns use the title "town administrator" and 27 percent use "town manager," with no statutory distinction between the terms. The committee's next meeting is May 26, when members plan to interview representatives from the Recreation Department, Board of Health, constables, and Housing Authority as part of the charter project's review of elected positions.