This is the sort of question that you might find intriguing or could drive you right around the bend.

For example, should the town appoint a financial manager? Should the assessors, accountants, treasurer et al be folded under a town financial manager that is appointed? Would it represent a first step in an overhaul of town hall operations or is everything just fine, thanks very much for asking?

Kingston is looking at making the switch. Should Milton?

The town is in the process of establishing its consolidated facilities department. This fall a special town meeting will look to approve funding and there is a meeting next week between the warrant committee and department heads to discuss. This department makes a good deal of sense and the model may work in other town operations. Finance is one.

Kingston Town Meeting will be taking up the issue of making the treasurer and tax collectors appointment this fall. If the measure passes they will be following Dedham, Easton, Freetown, Hanover, and Norton.

Why would they do this? Improved efficiency and expertise. In a recent Boston.com story the Massachusetts Department of Revenue came out in support of the switch, calling the reasons compelling “pointing out that the switch to appointments results in candidates with ‘the strongest credentials and most extensive professional experience.’’’

Why not? Rockland’s Town Clerk Pat Kaszanek summed it up when she said, “Once it’s appointed, the person in the position comes under the appointing authority, and I think that’s dangerous,’’ Kaszanek said. “In Rockland, you would be answerable to the selectmen. They change every year and have no idea what you do.’’

Milton’s longtime Treasurer Kevin Sorgi who left office a couple of years ago has said the same thing. Putting the treasurer under the Selectmen’s jurisdiction was not a good idea. He felt any incorporation under umbrella of selectmen would involve a larger streamlining of town functions.

It is a quiet time of year and a good time to give these sorts of issues some thought. The boston.com article can be found here.