Monday's elections in five area communities could signal a trend of change in local government.

In North Attleboro, voters will face another charter proposal to reform their local government. And, in Wrentham, voters will have a chance to change two-thirds of the five-member board of selectmen, as two incumbents and one former incumbent are on the ballot.

Polls will be open until 8 p.m. in North Attleboro, Wrentham, Plainville, Seekonk and Rehoboth.

Looking ahead, the issues and contests on Monday's ballot could be a harbinger of what voters and elected officials in several towns will be facing over the next several months at both town meetings and town elections.

Norton, for example, is studying its form of government for possible changes, including changing open town meeting to a representative town meeting format where members are elected, or to a town council-town manager form of government. A five-member government study committee in Norton is expected to make its recommendation to selectmen soon. Its town election is April 27.

And Rehoboth is considering expanding its board of selectmen from three to five members. The proposal is on the April 12 town meeting agenda, and if it passed, then would have to go to the voters at a future election.

Change in air in North

There is no doubt, however, that the biggest potential for change of the five towns having elections on Monday is in North Attleboro, where a proposal to replace the town administrator with a town manager who would oversee all department heads except for the school superintendent is on the ballot.

The most controversial aspect of the proposed charter -- the town has proposed charters in the past, but the previous proposals did not get approved by the voters -- is the reassignment of some of the duties of the electric department's general manager to the new town manager.

Proponents of the charter say more oversight over the electric department is needed, while opponents argue that electric rates could surge under the new form of government.

In addition, the proposed charter would reduce the size of the town's legislature by two-thirds. If the document were approved, the size of Representative Town Meeting will drop from 162 members to 54.

The controversial charter -- even the charter commission was closely split, endorsing it by a 5-4 vote -- is among six ballot questions facing North Attleboro voters.

Four questions ask for Proposition 21 / sub 2 overrides -- three would be permanent tax hikes and the fourth, for the roads, would be to pay for the life of the bond -- that are projected to raise taxes about $200 for the average taxpayer.

Four key North services -- schools, police, fire and roads -- are earmarked to be the recipients of the extra revenue. The final referendum question, which is non-binding, asks voters if one of the town's chief reserve funds should be severely reduced or depleted to help the town out of its budget shortfall for the fiscal year kicking in July 1.

There are also races for board of selectmen, school committee and board of health.

Wrentham: 3 selectman races

In Wrentham, the town's five-member board of selectmen could see a majority turn over as there are six candidates for two three-year seats and two candidates for a one-year unexpired term. The field of selectmen candidates is very possibly a modern day record, local officials say.

`` That has never happened as far as I can remember,'' said Selectman Charles Farling of the six candidates for two selectman seats. `` It is good to see people getting involved.''

Farling has been involved with local government for a few decades, and is looking for his fifth three-year term.

There is also an expectation that, with so many candidates, the votes are going to be split up, leading to a possible long shot being elected.

As to why there are so many residents interested in serving on the board, there have been a few controversial board decisions in recent months, including one involving housing development and open space.

Selectmen also recently voted in the town's first separate tax rates for residences and businesses, and there is a move to scale back the percentage the town contributes toward employee health insurance.

`` I think it is great six people are running,'' said candidate Joseph Heck, who added `` It is unfortunate that circumstances caused six people to run.''

`` I expect a good turnout because of the selectmen races,'' Town Clerk Carol Mollica said. `` I have people who have called referring to it as just the selectmen's election.''

A third contest in the election, however, involves a somewhat rare race for library trustees -- a three-way contest for two spots.

Taxing Seekonk questions

As in North Attleboro, Seekonk voters face some ballot questions, including one seeking authorization for a Proposition 21 / sub 2 debt bond override to help pay for a new public safety building.

The police-fire station issue has been brewing issue for years. Voters approved a $4.7 million override for the facility in 1996 but more money is needed.

And, in less than a month, May 3, Seekonk voters will be trekking to the polls again for a special election for a Proposition 21 / sub 2 override for town government and school budgets. Unlike the bond issue on Monday's ballot, the override question on May 3 would constitute a permanent tax hike if passed.

Signs of apathy

Apathy apparently still reigns, however. There are no contests in Rehoboth and just one in Plainville -- for board of health.

What had been a highly controversial issue of fluoride in drinking water that had enveloped North Attleboro and Plainville has barely made a ripple in those towns' races. That is despite races in both communities involving the board of health, where the topic had been a hot one in recent years.

The town clerk in Rehoboth is predicting one of the lowest turnouts in recent local election history -- 15 percent. Last year's turnout in Rehoboth was 17 percent.

STEPHEN PETERSON can be reached at 508-236-0377 or at speterson@thesunchronicle.com. Staff writers Amy Demelia and Jim Hand and correspondents Jamie Rudat and Joseph Siegel contributed to this report.