There is a public hearing tonight in Bethel on proposed changes to the town's Charter.  Among the Charter Revision Commission recommendations is that the Board of Selectmen increase from three members to five and their term of service double from two years to four. 

Currently $25,000 allocations or greater have to go to a Town Meeting, the Commission is recommending that the number be increased to $50,000.  The same changes are being recommended for special appropriations and transfers. 

Currently the Board of Finance doesn't have line-item authority for the Boards of Education and Library budgets.  The Commission is recommending that they no longer have that authority over other town department budgets and move to a bottom-line basis.  The Commission says the rationale behind the recommendation is that the individual departments are better suited to decide how much for what areas is needed. 

Another recommendation is that the Annual Town Meeting be moved from May to April. 

Tonight's public hearing is at 7pm at Bethel Municipal Center.