The text
Sec. 701. - Department of finance.#
There shall be a department of finance which shall conduct the financial business and transactions of the town, including budget preparation and administration, tax assessment and collection, disbursements, purchasing, and such related functions as may from time to time be assigned to the department by the town administrator or the town council. The department shall have such internal organization and personnel as the town treasurer in consultation with the town administrator shall, with the approval of the council, prescribe.
Sec. 702. - Town treasurer.#
The head of the department shall be the town treasurer, who shall be appointed by the town administrator from among persons qualified by professional training and/or prior experience in financial management, budgeting and related subjects, to serve for a term of three (3) years commencing on the date upon which his or her appointment shall be approved by vote of the council. If the council shall fail to approve or reject any such appointment by the second regular council meeting following receipt thereof, the person so appointed shall take office notwithstanding the failure of the council to act. The town treasurer shall serve at the pleasure of the town administrator and of the town council, and may be removed from office prior to the expiration of his or her term only at the initiative of the town administrator, with the concurrence of the council.
In the case of a vacancy in the office of town treasurer from any cause, the town administrator may appoint an acting town treasurer, provided, however, that no such acting appointee may serve in said office more than forty-five (45) days, nor be eligible for reappointment to a successive forty-five day period.
Sec. 703. - Duties of town treasurer.#
Among the duties and functions of the town treasurer shall be all those duties and functions assigned now or in the future by the laws of the state or by the ordinances of the town to the office of town treasurer and to the office of tax collector.
Sec. 704. - Tax assessor.#
There shall be a tax assessor who shall function within the department of finance, and shall, under the general supervision of the town treasurer, be responsible for the carrying out of the duties of his office as they are now or may in the future be prescribed by the laws of the state or the ordinances of the town. He shall be appointed by the town administrator from among persons knowledgeable and experienced with regard to the duties required of the office, to serve during the town administrator's pleasure.
Sec. 705. - Purchasing.#
All supplies, materials, and equipment required by any department, office, or agency of the town, including the school department unless the school committee shall specifically provide otherwise, shall be purchased centrally in such manner and under such procedures consistent with Title 45, Chapter 55 of the Rhode Island General Laws, and as may be prescribed by the town council by ordinance. The operation of such central purchasing system shall be the responsibility of the town treasurer.
(Amend. of 11-3-20)