By Elizabeth F. McNamara

The Town Council and School Committee hold back-to-back meetings this week, with the council Monday considering a new finance director and the School Committee on Tuesday holding a public hearing on the FY2020 budget.

The Town Council will vote on acting Town Manager Joe Duarte’s pick for finance director, but only after they meet in executive session to discuss the candidate. The confusing part? The vote is listed under “New Business,” before the executive session.

Council President Mark Schwager said the main thing was to let the residents know they will be voting on the appointment in open session after executive session. He said they would release the name of the candidate at that time.

By Town Charter, the town manager makes all personnel decisions but department head appointments (or dismissals) must be approved by the Town Council.

Also on the council agenda is a vote on placing a $5 million school bond referendum before the voters in a special election this fall. That strategy was outlined in a presentation by town finance consultant Mike D’Amico in March.

The council will also swear in new Fire Chief Bernard Patenaude Monday night. The meeting takes place at Town Hall at 7 p.m. Find the agenda here.

The School Committee will meet Tuesday to hold a public hearing on its budget, which they also plan to vote on. The public will have an opportunity to comment on the budget. By charter, the school budget must be presented to the town by April 15.