DERRY — The town’s treasurer, Rita Correia, supports a proposed town charter amendment that would change her position from an elected to an appointed one.

“The treasurer’s job has changed significantly over time since I became treasurer,” said Correia, who has served in that role for over 25 years. “The job has changed significantly over time and it’s a lot more cumbersome now. A person who does the job really needs to have an accounting background.”

Currently, a person only has to be a Derry resident to get on the ballot and run for treasurer.

“A lot of people just look at the treasurer’s job as signing checks, but it’s not,” Correia said. “There is a whole lot more to do it when you are dealing with $90 million to $100 million in the course of a year. It’s a big responsibility on your shoulders.”

Over the course of her time as treasurer, Correia has been appointed and elected, originally taking the position when Derry had a mayor who appointed the treasurer.

“I don’t have a problem with changing the position to an appointed one,” she said. “It gives a sense of security knowing when you appoint someone you can look at the resume and know they have the skills and capability to do the job.”

Under the charter amendment change, the Town Administrator would make the recommendation for the treasurer, and it would then be voted on by the Town Council.

“Although (Correia) has the qualifications, the town’s finances have grown sufficiently and gotten more complicated,” said councilor David Milz. “I would feel more comfortable with someone who is qualified and could be appointed after going through a background check.”

Town finance director Frank Childs said he supports the proposed charter change.

“Clearly it is an issue where we want to make sure we have someone responsible,” he said. “The town has been blessed for 25 years in having someone professionally trained and very conscientious looking out for the town’s money. We could have someone elected and have no qualifications and that is a real concern.”

Councilor Brian Chirichiello said he did have some concerns with changing treasurer to an appointed position.

“If it goes to being appointed, who is the treasurer going to be beholden to, the seven councilors and the Town Administrator?” he asked. “I’m having an issue with that.”

Childs said there are state statutes that closely regulate how the treasurer handles the town’s money.

“For me, Rita, and John, we are all looking for a guarantee that someone with professional training and background will be doing the job,” Childs said.

The Town Council is looking to bring as many as 11 town charter amendments to the voters for the Sept. 11 state primary election ballot.

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Adam Swift may be reached at aswift@newstote.com.