(a) Each town, unless otherwise provided by law, shall, at its regular municipal election elect a town clerk for a term of not less than two years and not more than six years, a town treasurer for the term of two years and a collector of town taxes for a term of not less than two years and not more than six. Each such clerk, treasurer and collector of taxes shall hold office for the term for which he is elected and until his successor is elected and has qualified.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the legislative body of a town may, by ordinance adopted by its legislative body or in any town in which the legislative body is a town meeting, by the board of selectmen, authorize appointment of a tax collector. Such ordinance shall include provisions for the appointment procedure and shall specify the term of appointment. If the charter, home rule ordinance or special act of a town provides for the method of appointment of a tax collector, the method shall be changed by charter, charter amendment or home rule amendment.