Bedford is voting this week on whether to remove a requirement that its town manager be a resident.
Town councilor Chris Bandazian says the provision requiring a town manager either be a resident or relocate to Bedford once hired has made it more difficult to fill the town manager position, which has been vacant since June 2015.
"There are some advantages to being in the community and having your town manager as part of the community, but it's not the most important consideration," he said. "Unfortunately, under our charter right now, it's essentially a veto on some good talent."
Bandazian said the town has also been advised that such a regulation might not withstand a legal challenge.