Section 8. It shall be the function and duty of the charter commission to study the form of government of the county, to compare it with other forms available under the laws of this state, to determine whether or not in its judgment the government of the county could be strengthened, made more clearly responsive or accountable to the people or whether its operation could be more economical or efficient, under a changed form of government.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part I - Administration of the Government
Title VI - Counties and County Officers
Chapter 34a - County Charter Procedures
Section 1 - Short Title; Definitions
Section 2 - Power to Adopt or Revise Charters
Section 3 - Elections to Create Charter Study Commissions; Petitions
Section 4 - Election of Charter Study Commission Members
Section 5 - Candidates for Charter Commission; Nomination
Section 6 - Members of Charter Commission; Boundaries of Election Districts
Section 7 - First Meeting; Officers; Vacancies; Expenses
Section 8 - Function of Commission
Section 9 - Powers and Duties of Commission; Funds; Assistance; Tax Levy
Section 10 - Nonvoting Members
Section 11 - Public Hearings; Reports; Publication of Proposed Charter
Section 12 - Report and Recommendation; Findings and Determinations
Section 13 - Optional Forms of Government, Referendum; Special Charter, Enabling Legislation
Section 14 - Petitions for Adoption or Revision of Charters
Section 16 - Powers and Duties of Counties
Section 17 - County Executive Plan
Section 18 - County Manager Plan
Section 19 - Board Chairperson Plan
Section 20 - Relations Between Legislative and Executive Branches