Ballot Question for the April 9, 2024 Needham Election

The League of Women Voters of Needham will host “Focus on the 2024 Needham Ballot Question” on Zoom and the Needham Channel on Tuesday, March 19, at 4:00 pm. The program will feature Select Board Chair Marianne Cooley and Fire Chief Tom Conroy. After presentation by the speakers, League President Carol Patey will pose questions, followed by questions from the Zoom attendees.

Needham voters may ask questions in advance by emailing lwvquestion@gmail.com.

What is the Ballot Question?

Shall the Town of Needham revoke its acceptance of Chapter 31 of the General Laws relative to the Fire Department, and thereby remove the Fire Department from Civil Service? YES or NO

A yes vote on Question 1 would remove Members of the Fire Department from civil service and provide local control over the recruitment and promotion of personnel.

A no vote on Question 1 would result in no change to the civil service status of the Fire Chief or Fire Department and the recruitment and promotion of personnel would remain under state regulation and control.

Why This Ballot Question?

The Town and the Fire Union reached an agreement on a plan to remove the Town from the civil service hiring system. Because the Town of Needham elected to participate in the civil service program by way of the vote of the residents at the ballot, the Town may exit the civil service system in the same way.

Complete information will be posted soon on the Town website.