The state’s Attorney General (AG)has delayed giving approval to two articles that were passed by a majority vote at the October 21 Special Town Meeting in Dudley.

The AG’s office has 90 days to review and approve town meeting articles or advise on an amendment once the articles have passed. Unless the town hears otherwise within that 90 day window, the articles are considered vetted and approved. This was the case with all but Articles 14 and 15.

In a January 23 letter to the town, the Attorney General’s office took an extension of 90 days to further consider the two citizens’ petition articles, possibly signaling that something is problematic about them, but nothing will be known for certain until the AG issues a ruling, according to Debbie LaPlaca, Public Information Officer for the town.

The new deadline for a decision is April 25, 2025. According to Town Administrator Jonathan Ruda, the citizens presenting the petitions at the Special Town Meeting were cautioned by Dudley Town Counsel that there were defects in their articles, but the petitioners chose to proceed with the articles anyway.

Ruda stated, “I expect any guidance, amendments, or disapprovals by the Attorney General’s office will align with the verbal opinions publicly provided to the petitioners, which were subsequently reinforced by a written opinion from Town Labor Counsel prior to the October Special Town Meeting.”

Article 14, passed by majority vote, sought to amend the Dudley General Bylaws related to the Town Administrator’s annual review, powers and duties and other activities.

Article 15, passed by majority vote, sought to amend the Dudley General Bylaws related to Personnel Policies and Procedures, its purpose, personnel board establishment, responsibilities and method, and the role of Human Resources Manager.