Select Board Role

"Early in the history of the Commonwealth, towns had no regularly elected town officials. In order to conduct town business, residents gathered for annual town meetings to approve budgets and laws. During these meetings, they would periodically “select” prominent men within the community to carry out the votes and conduct the business of 

"Early in the history of the Commonwealth, towns had no regularly elected town officials. In order to conduct town business, residents gathered for annual town meetings to approve budgets and laws. During these meetings, they would periodically “select” prominent men within the community to carry out the votes and conduct the business of the town. 

Gradually, town functions became involved enough to require more consistent supervision. . . In general, selectmen carried out and enforced the votes of the town meeting, but they were also granted authority over specific administrative areas of town government."

Above quoted from Mass Municipal Association Select Board Handbook Chapter 1 page 1.

Today's Select Board serves as the Executive Branch of Town government. They oversee all matters affecting the Town's interest and are responsible for ensuring that the Town government is reflective of the community's needs and values.

 The Town Administrator is responsible for creating a balanced budget and it is the responsibility of the

Today's Select Board serves as the Executive Branch of Town government. They oversee all matters affecting the Town's interest and are responsible for ensuring that the Town government is reflective of the community's needs and values.

 The Town Administrator is responsible for creating a balanced budget and it is the responsibility of the Select Board to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and transparently.  

The Board is charged with the duty of appointing those serving on boards or committees that are not elected.

 

The Select Board provides policy guidance for all Town departments except for the School Department, which is overseen by the School Committee.   

 The following departments report to the Select Board through the Town Administrator: Accountant, Animal Control, Building, Conservation, Council on Aging, Fire Department, Library, Police Depa

The Select Board provides policy guidance for all Town departments except for the School Department, which is overseen by the School Committee.   

 The following departments report to the Select Board through the Town Administrator: Accountant, Animal Control, Building, Conservation, Council on Aging, Fire Department, Library, Police Department, Recreation, Treasurer/Collector, and the Veterans Agent.