Town Boards & Committees
What do they do?
Selectman
• Elected by ballot to hold office for 3 years (5 members)
• Selectman manage the prudential affairs of the town and perform the duties by law prescribed (RSA 41), which include:
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Financial transparency
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Establish fees (in accordance with town vote and public hearings) for things such as licenses or permits and use of public revenue-producing facility
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Regulation of the use of public highways, sidewalks and commons
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Management of town properties not delegated to other public offices
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Regulation of business municipal permits
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Restricting watering of lawns when state or federal government have designated a declared condition of drought
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Removal of Collector, Clerk or Treasurer who may become incapacitated
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Annual Town Report to include financial condition of the town
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Acquisition or sale of land, buildings, or both; demolition or disposal of buildings
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Adoption and amendment of town codes and ordinances (in accordance with RSA 41:14)
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Property tax rates set in accordance with the provisions of RSA 21-J:34-37
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Appoints a BOS representative to specific organizations such as Forestry Committee, Conservation Commission, Budget Committee, etc.
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The Town Administrator reports to the BOS
• Meetings:
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Generally, 2 meetings per month (either 2nd/4th Tuesday or 1st/3rd Tuesday)
School Board
• Elected by ballot to hold office for 3 years (5 members)
• School Board’s Role is:
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#1…Student achievement: adopts and monitors academic standards and expectations
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Policymaking
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Hiring & evaluation of the Superintendent
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Develop annual budget
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Public relations
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Political Relations
• Meetings:
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Generally, 2 meetings per month (more frequently during budget season)
Planning Board
• Elected by ballot to hold office for 3 years (5 members)
• School Board’s Role is:
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#1…Student achievement: adopts and monitors academic standards and expectations
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Policymaking
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Hiring & evaluation of the Superintendent
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Develop annual budget
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Public relations
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Political Relations
• Meetings:
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Generally, 2 meetings per month (more frequently during budget season)
Budget Committee
• Elected by ballot to either 1, 2 or 3 year terms (9 members)
• Purpose of the Budget Committee:
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Review town/school operating budgets presented to the voters for adoption at the annual meeting
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As part of its role to assist voters in the prudent appropriation of public funds, the budget committee is required to put its recommendation (or non-recommendation) on special warrant articles
• Meetings:
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Weekly from September-early December, with a few meetings outside of that (determined after election)
Library Trustee
• Elected by ballot to a 3 year term
• Duties of the Library Trustee:
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Serve as the governing body of the town library
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Prepare an annual budget for the operation of the library
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Expend taxpayer money appropriated for the library
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Expend all private money donated for library purposes