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The select board or board of selectmen is commonly the executive arm of the government of New England towns in the United States. The board typically consists of three or five members, with or without staggered terms. Three is the most common number, historically.[1]

History

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In most New England towns, the adult voting population gathered annually in a town meeting to act as the local legislature, approving budgets and laws. Day-to-day operations were originally left to individual oversight, but when towns became too large for individuals to handle such work loads, they would elect an executive board of selected men (hence the name) to run things for them.

These men had charge of the day-to-day operations; selectmen were important in legislating policies central to a community's police force, highway supervisors, poundkeepers, field drivers, and other officials. However, the larger towns grew, the more power would be distributed among other elected boards, such as fire wardens and police departments. For example, population increases led to the creation of police departments, of which selectmen typically became the commissioners. The advent of tarred roads and automobile traffic led to a need for full-time highway maintainers and plowmen, leaving selectmen to serve as Supervisors of Streets and Ways.[2]

Present

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The function of the board of selectmen differs from state to state, and can differ within a given state depending on the type of governance under which a town operates. Selectmen almost always serve part-time, with a token or no salary. It is the chief executive branch of local government in the open town meeting form of government.

The basic function consists of calling town meetings, proposing budgets to the town meeting, setting public policy, calling elections, licensing, setting certain fees, overseeing certain volunteer and appointed bodies, and creating basic regulations.

In larger towns, the selectmen's daily administrative duties are delegated to a full-time town administrator or town manager. In some towns, the board of selectmen acts more like a city council, but retains the historic name.

In some places, such as Connecticut, the board is headed by a first selectman, who historically has served as the chief administrative officer of the town and may be elected separately from the rest of the board.[3]

In New Hampshire cities (which have a board of aldermen instead of a board of selectmen), a "selectman" is an elected position that is responsible for organizing elections for local, state, and federal offices. Three selectmen, a moderator, and a clerk are elected in each city ward.[4]

In Vermont towns, per state statute the Selectboard performs several ex officio roles to include: serving as the local Board of Health,[5] Board of Liquor Control Commissioners,[6] Board of Sewage System Commissioners;[7] and together with the town's elected Justices of the Peace, serve as the Board of Civil Authority[8] and Board of Tax Abatement.[9]

A rare use of the term outside New England is in Georgetown, Colorado, where the town governing body is called the Board of Selectmen.[10]

First selectman

[edit]

The first selectman (or selectwoman) is the head of the board of selectmen in some New England towns.

Historically, the first selectman was the one who received the largest number of votes during municipal elections or at a town meeting. More recently most towns have chosen to elect the first selectman in a separate election, much like a mayor.

While the principle remains the same in most towns, the function has evolved differently. Traditionally, the first selectman acts as chief administrative officer. As with all politicians in New England, it was originally a part-time position. Most modern towns that have part-time first selectmen limit their function to chairing the board of selectmen and performing certain ceremonial duties. Actual administration of the town is handled by the town manager. In other towns, the first selectman acts as CEO of the town, much like a mayor, alone or in conjunction with a town manager who acts as a chief administrative officer.

In Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont, the presiding selectman is usually called the chairman and is chosen annually by the selectmen.[3] In Vermont, immediately following the annual election, the Board of Selectmen is required by state statute to re-organize, which includes electing a chair, appointing various town positions, and establishing the meeting schedule for the ensuing year.[11]

In New Hampshire cities, selectmen maintain voter checklists and aid voters at the polls.[12]

In Connecticut, the first selectman is the chief executive and administrative officer of most towns with the Selectmen-Town Meeting form of government. Some towns, such as Woodbridge, elect their first selectmen to be the chief administrative officer of the town even though the position is technically part-time. The first selectman is also a voting member of the board of selectmen and can cast a tie-breaking vote in the board of finance. In other towns, the position is full-time. In towns such as Beacon Falls, Bethany, Brookfield, Orange, and Simsbury, the losing first selectman candidate can earn a seat on the board of selectmen, depending on the number of votes the losing candidate received.[13]

See also

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Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Select board

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from Grokipedia
A select board is the elected executive body that serves as the chief policymaking authority in many small towns across New England, particularly in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, operating within the traditional open town meeting form of local government where residents directly vote on legislative matters. Typically comprising an odd number of members—most commonly three or five, elected to staggered terms—the board functions as the town's primary administrative overseer, appointing department heads and committees, issuing warrants for town meetings, granting licenses, and enforcing bylaws while coordinating with a town manager or administrator in larger municipalities. In this structure, the select board holds executive powers derived from state statutes, including budget preparation guidance, litigation oversight, and policy initiation, but shares with independent elected boards for specialized functions like or to maintain checks and balances. This contrasts with city systems in more urban areas, emphasizing direct citizen involvement in suited to rural or suburban communities. The term "select board" emerged as a gender-neutral from the historical "board of selectmen," reflecting modern inclusive language without altering core responsibilities.

Historical Origins and Evolution

Colonial Foundations

The board of selectmen, the direct antecedent of the modern select board, emerged in the during the early 1630s to delegate executive and administrative functions from the town meeting, which assembled only periodically due to settlers' agrarian demands. The earliest noted election occurred in on May 18, 1631, establishing a board to oversee in the newly settled town, though records of the initial proceedings from 1630 to 1634 have been lost. This innovation addressed the impracticality of convening all freemen—property-owning adult male church members—for routine matters, allowing the town meeting to retain legislative authority while selectmen handled implementation. Subsequent adoptions proliferated rapidly; elected its first board of 12 selectmen in 1633, formalizing in what became a model for towns. Watertown followed in 1634 with a three-member board, reflecting the variable size typical of early panels, which ranged from three to a dozen based on needs. Selectmen were chosen annually at meetings by freemen votes, serving without formal compensation beyond potential reimbursements for expenses, and their roles included assessing and collecting taxes, maintaining roads and public infrastructure, providing relief to the indigent, regulating markets and morals, and appointing subordinates such as constables. This structure adapted English traditions to the Puritan emphasis on covenantal self-rule, as authorized by the colony's General Court through town-incorporating orders that presumed such boards for efficiency. By the 1640s, with the issuance of standardized town governance frameworks, selectmen boards were ubiquitous in chartered settlements, bridging communal decision-making with practical administration amid and territorial expansion. In , founded in 1620, analogous committees evolved similarly by mid-century, though initial governance relied more on gubernatorial . The system's durability stemmed from its alignment with colonial charters prioritizing localism over centralized control, predating royal interventions in the late .

19th-20th Century Developments

In the , boards of selectmen in towns adapted to , industrialization, and expanding municipal needs by assuming greater oversight of public infrastructure, , and welfare. Responsibilities included managing town finances, schools, road maintenance—which transitioned from communal labor to hired workers and district-based surveyors—and care for the poor, evolving from auction-based "vendue" systems to town-owned poor farms or workhouses by the 1830s. Selectmen, typically numbering 3 to 9 and elected annually at town meetings, supervised elected officers like highway surveyors and commissioners for , while state laws from the reinforced their authority over land regulation, local defense, and admission of new residents. This period saw no fundamental structural changes to the board's composition, but duties proliferated with , prompting selectmen to appoint additional officers for specialized tasks such as weighing commodities or maintaining order. The 20th century brought significant operational shifts as towns confronted increased regulatory complexity, post-World War II suburbanization, and fiscal pressures, leading to the delegation of administrative functions while preserving the select board's policy role. , pioneered the town manager system in 1914, appointing a professional executive to handle day-to-day operations, a model that spread via special acts in the late 1940s and 1950s to address growing demands for expertise in budgeting, personnel, and services. By the 1960s, the Home Rule Amendment (1966) enabled towns to adopt charters enhancing , often incorporating five-member boards in populations over 20,000 and independent specialized committees (e.g., for schools) to reduce selectmen's direct involvement. Further reforms included Proposition 2½ (1980), capping increases and intensifying financial oversight duties; the Tort Claims Act (1978), expanding liability management; and consolidations like Chapter 43C (1987) for unified finance departments, alongside a trend toward appointed directors reporting to managers rather than elected officials. These changes professionalized administration, allowing select boards to emphasize strategic policy, intergovernmental coordination, and ceremonial functions amid proliferating state mandates.

Transition from Board of Selectmen

The traditional title "Board of Selectmen" originated in colonial , with , electing its first selectmen in 1633 to manage affairs under English influences. This terminology persisted largely unchanged through the 19th and 20th centuries, reflecting the body's role as elected overseers despite increasing female participation, as the term "selectman" historically denoted selected officials without barring women from service. Beginning in the late , a trend emerged in towns to replace "Board of Selectmen" with "Select Board" to promote , prompted by resident petitions citing inclusivity concerns over the masculine suffix in "selectmen." Early adoptions included Groton in 2018 via vote and Hopkinton's resident-led effort that year, with the Massachusetts Municipal Association rebranding from "Selectmen's Association" to "Select Board Association" in January 2020 to align with this shift. By the early 2020s, dozens of towns had enacted changes through local votes or special state legislation, such as in 2021 following a student's request, Northborough's 2023 approval (gubernatorially confirmed in 2025), and Raynham in May 2025 despite some resident opposition questioning the necessity. State-level bills, like H.3860 and H.3985 passed by the in 2021, facilitated broader official recognition, though transitions often required town-specific approvals and did not alter the board's statutory powers or composition. This evolution reflects localized pushes for linguistic modernization amid broader cultural debates on terminology, with over 50 towns adopting "Select Board" by 2025, yet many retaining "Selectmen" where no vote occurred, underscoring the optional and non-mandatory nature of the change. Functions, processes, and legal remained identical post-transition, as the rename addressed rather than structure.

Statutory Basis in New England States

In , the statutory basis for the select board—traditionally termed the board of selectmen—resides in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, which mandates the annual election of three selectmen in every town and delineates their executive authority over town affairs, including supervision of administrative duties and enforcement of bylaws. This framework empowers the board to act as the primary executive body, coordinating town operations and appointing officers where authorized, subject to town meeting approval for certain actions. Recent legislation, such as Chapter 90 of the Acts of 2022, permits towns to rename the board "select board" while preserving its statutory powers, reflecting an evolution toward gender-neutral terminology without altering core responsibilities. Maine's statutes establish the select board under Title 30-A of the Revised Statutes, particularly §2635, which requires the board to function as a collective body in overseeing administrative services through a town manager where applicable, prohibiting direct orders to subordinates. Section 2526 specifies qualifications, mandating that members be voters, and outlines election processes at annual meetings, typically for three- or five-member boards depending on local charter. This structure positions the board as the town's executive, handling policy execution and fiscal oversight in coordination with meetings. In , the select board derives its authority from the Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA), with broad prudential powers under chapters such as RSA 37, enabling management of town affairs, contract execution, and appointment of officials like the town administrator. RSA 21:28 defines "selectmen" to encompass town executives, granting them substantive roles in licensing, budgeting, and legal proceedings as specified in various sections, such as RSA 41 for meetings and duties. Boards typically comprise three members elected for staggered three-year terms, ensuring continuity in . Vermont law codifies the selectboard's role in Title 24, Appendix, with §872 vesting general supervision of town affairs, including performance of statutory duties for towns and schools, in the board. Towns elect three or five members at annual meetings, with provisions for additional members via special vote under 17 V.S.A. §2650, and the board organizes by electing officers post-election. This statutory foundation emphasizes the board's executive oversight while limiting unilateral actions, requiring majority votes for decisions. Connecticut's framework for the board of selectmen appears in Chapter 91 of the General Statutes, designating the first selectman as chief executive and ex-officio member of boards under §7-12a, with the board collectively managing coordination and vacancies filled within 30 days per §9-222. Statutes permit three- or more-member boards, alterable by charter, positioning them as the executive for implementation and agency oversight in towns without alternative charters. Rhode Island lacks a uniform statutory basis for select boards across its municipalities, as most towns operate under council forms of government enabled by charters rather than selectmen-style executives; small towns may adopt similar structures via , but state law emphasizes elected councils for legislative and executive functions without mandating select boards.

Election and Term Structures

In , select boards consist of three or five members elected by plurality vote at the annual , serving staggered three-year terms to ensure continuity, with one or two seats (depending on board size) contested each year. may adopt one-year terms by vote at , though three years remains the default under state law. are nonpartisan, with candidates nominated via town caucuses or petitions filed with the town clerk. In , the board includes a first selectman—elected separately as chair—and other selectmen, all chosen at the biennial municipal election in odd-numbered years by plurality vote. Terms are fixed by town charter, typically two years for the first selectman and varying for others, with dual candidacy prohibited and state law requiring minority party representation to prevent any one party from holding more than two-thirds of seats. New Hampshire towns elect select boards of three or five members at the annual town meeting in March, with standard three-year staggered terms and one seat typically up for election each year. The process is nonpartisan, emphasizing direct voter approval without primaries. Vermont selectboards, often comprising five members, are elected at the annual town meeting in March for staggered terms of one, two, or three years as determined by town vote, with provisions allowing adjustment to two additional short-term seats for stability. Elections prioritize local petitions and voter ratification over party affiliation. In , select boards of three, five, or seven members are elected at the municipal on the second in , serving three-year staggered terms, with candidates nominated by and elected by plurality. State law permits towns to adjust board size or terms via ordinance, but three years is standard for continuity.
StateTypical Term LengthStaggeringElection Timing
3 yearsYesAnnual town election
2 years (first selectman)Varies by townBiennial (odd years)
3 yearsYesAnnual town meeting (March)
1–3 yearsYesAnnual town meeting (March)
3 yearsYesAnnual (June)

Organizational Hierarchy

Select boards in New England towns generally consist of three or five elected members serving staggered terms, with three being the most prevalent configuration to ensure continuity and decision-making. Members hold equal authority, functioning as a collegial body without inherent subordination among them, and all participate equally in votes on policies, appointments, and administrative matters. Decisions require a , typically a of members, and are binding by simple majority vote unless town charter specifies otherwise. Internally, the board organizes by electing officers at its annual organizational meeting, usually held shortly after town elections. The (or first selectman in some jurisdictions) is selected annually from among , presiding over meetings, signing documents, and serving as the primary public representative, though retaining only one vote equivalent to others. A vice-chair and may also be elected to handle succession and record-keeping duties, respectively, but these roles do not confer superior power. In towns without a full-time town administrator, the chair or first selectman often assumes day-to-day executive responsibilities, blurring lines between and administration. This flat promotes , with no single member holding , though the chair's procedural influence can shape agendas and deliberations. Variations exist by state and local charter; for instance, towns may designate the first selectman as with enhanced administrative duties, while emphasizes board consensus. The board oversees appointed staff, such as a town administrator, who reports to the body rather than individual members, reinforcing the non-hierarchical member structure.

Powers, Duties, and Operations

Executive and Administrative Roles

The select board serves as the primary executive authority in towns operating under the open form of , responsible for directing the town's overall administration and implementing policies derived from town meeting decisions. This includes preparing the warrant for town meetings, which outlines articles for voter consideration, and ensuring the execution of approved measures, such as appropriations and amendments. In this capacity, the board acts as the town's representative in legal and contractual matters, including signing deeds, negotiating leases for municipal property, and entering into agreements for services like or utilities. Administratively, the select board oversees the coordination of town departments and agencies, often by appointing a town administrator or manager to handle day-to-day operations, including personnel management, financial reporting, and . In towns without a dedicated administrator, board members may directly supervise key positions such as police chief, public works director, or personnel, ensuring efficient and adherence to state statutes. The board also manages budgeting processes by proposing annual fiscal plans to the town meeting, monitoring expenditures, and authorizing payments for town obligations, while designating polling locations and administering elections in collaboration with the town clerk. Licensing functions, such as issuing permits for businesses, entertainment, or vehicles, fall under its purview, enforcing local ordinances to maintain public order. In executive sessions, the select board addresses personnel matters, , and sensitive negotiations, balancing transparency requirements under open meeting laws with the need for confidential deliberation. This role extends to appointing members to advisory committees and commissions, thereby influencing long-term planning for , , and community services. While the board's authority is derived from state general laws—such as General Laws Chapter 39—it varies slightly by jurisdiction, with and statutes similarly empowering select boards to superintend town affairs and execute legislative directives.

Policy Implementation and Enforcement

The select board implements policies adopted by the town meeting by directing appointed officials, overseeing departmental operations, and ensuring alignment with town objectives, as selectmen are historically required to carry out town meeting votes under Massachusetts practice. This includes coordinating capital improvement plans, approving regulations for public safety departments, and managing procurement processes compliant with state thresholds, such as obtaining three quotes for contracts between $10,000 and $24,999 or sealed bids for amounts exceeding $25,000 per G.L. c. 30B. In towns with a town manager or administrator, the select board delegates day-to-day execution while retaining policy oversight, with the administrator responsible for administering bylaws and select board regulations through supervised staff. Enforcement of town bylaws and state laws occurs primarily through oversight of appointed enforcement personnel, including police chiefs, fire chiefs, building inspectors, and health agents, whom the board appoints and can remove for cause following hearings. For instance, select boards promulgate police directives and approve fire department rules under G.L. c. 41, §§97 or 97A, ensuring operational compliance with public safety standards. Direct regulatory enforcement includes acting as licensing authorities for businesses, alcoholic beverages per G.L. c. 138, §2, and explosives under G.L. c. 148, §9, where boards issue, renew, or revoke permits based on criteria and compliance inspections. In addressing violations, select boards conduct public hearings to adjudicate issues like dangerous dogs under G.L. c. 140, §157, imposing fines up to $1,000, or unsafe structures and nuisances, issuing abatement orders enforceable via civil action or cost recovery from owners. Health and environmental enforcement involves upholding the State Sanitary Code and Wetlands Protection Act through appointed agents, with boards serving as the board of health in unorganized towns to order quarantines or abatements. These mechanisms emphasize procedural fairness, including witness subpoenas under G.L. c. 233, §8, while limiting direct operational involvement to avoid micromanagement, delegating routine enforcement to specialists for efficiency. Limitations arise from civil service protections for certain roles and collective bargaining agreements, requiring just cause for removals.

Interaction with Appointed Officials

Select boards in towns, particularly in , hold authority to appoint and supervise appointed officials, including department heads, town managers, and members of advisory committees, as delegated by state statutes and local bylaws. This oversight ensures alignment with town policies and efficient administration of public services. For instance, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, Section 21, empowers select boards to act as or appoint other town officers upon approval by town meeting vote, covering roles such as police chiefs, fire chiefs, and directors in towns without a town manager form of . In smaller towns, select boards directly supervise appointed staff, conducting performance evaluations, setting budgets for departments, and enforcing compliance with directives. The board's administrative responsibilities include coordinating activities among appointed officials to implement policies on , public safety, and fiscal , often through regular meetings and reporting requirements. In cases of underperformance, boards may recommend dismissal or disciplinary action, subject to protections where applicable, such as for certain public safety roles under law. Towns adopting a town manager or administrator structure shift some direct supervision to the appointed manager, whom the select board hires, sets compensation for, and evaluates annually. The manager then appoints and oversees department heads, with board approval often required for key hires to maintain policy control. This model, authorized under General Laws Chapter 43 or local charters, fosters professional management while preserving the board's executive oversight, including the power to direct the manager on strategic priorities like budget preparation and ordinance enforcement. Variations exist across states; in , selectboards similarly supervise town managers who handle daily operations, ensuring accountability through policy directives. Conflicts may arise when appointed officials' decisions intersect with board priorities, prompting formal reviews or under open meeting laws, which mandate public deliberation on personnel matters. Select boards must navigate conflict-of-interest statutes, designating certain appointees as "special municipal employees" to mitigate . This interaction underscores the board's role as the primary executive body, balancing elected with professional expertise in town governance.

Integration with Town Meeting Democracy

Oversight of Town Meeting Outcomes

The select board functions as the primary executive authority tasked with implementing decisions adopted at , which serve as the legislative body in many towns. This includes executing appropriations, enforcing bylaws and ordinances passed by voters, appointing officials to carry out specific directives, and managing day-to-day operations to realize meeting outcomes. For instance, under New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) 41:8, the board manages prudential affairs, expends funds appropriated by town meeting, signs contracts and deeds, and oversees municipal property in alignment with voter-approved budgets. Enforcement of town meeting outcomes falls squarely on the select board, which supervises compliance with voter-approved policies and ensures that unassigned town duties—such as ordinance implementation—are fulfilled. In , state law mandates the board to provide general of town affairs, including the enforcement of ordinances derived from votes, while carrying out legislative directives without altering them. Similarly, in , the board may convene officials or departments to coordinate execution and can compel reports from elected officers to monitor progress on meeting decisions, as authorized by RSA 41:9(VI). This oversight extends to appointing necessary personnel, such as department heads, to operationalize resolutions, though salaries and core appointments often require ratification. Limitations on this oversight ensure to : the select board cannot unilaterally amend or veto actions, serving instead as a steward of voter intent through administrative rather than revision. Periodic reporting to subsequent s or public sessions allows for , with boards often presenting updates on expenditures or project statuses to inform future votes. In practice, failures in execution—such as delays in infrastructure projects approved by meeting—can prompt citizen petitions for special meetings to address lapses, underscoring the board's accountable yet subordinate role.

Balancing Direct Democracy and Executive Function

The select board functions as the executive arm of town government in states like , , and , tasked with implementing policies and budgets approved by the open , which embodies by allowing registered voters to deliberate and vote on major legislative matters such as appropriations, bylaws, and changes. This division ensures that while voters retain ultimate over fiscal and decisions—often requiring supermajorities for overrides of administrative actions—the board handles day-to-day administration, , and personnel without needing meeting approval for routine operations. To maintain equilibrium, the select board prepares for meetings, outlining articles for voter consideration, and recommends positions on them, thereby influencing outcomes without possessing power over approved measures except in limited cases like delaying non-emergency expenditures exceeding appropriations. In , for instance, selectboards execute directives on highway maintenance and ordinances but lack authority to unilaterally alter budgets or compel elected officials to align with board preferences, preserving voter . This structure mitigates risks of executive overreach, as boards cannot appropriate funds or enact bylaws independently; violations, such as unauthorized spending, expose members to personal liability under state laws like General Laws Chapter 40, Section 57. Tensions arise when select boards propose initiatives that town meetings reject, as seen in recurring debates over infrastructure funding where boards advocate for projects but voters prioritize fiscal restraint, compelling boards to seek alternative compliance paths like state grants without overriding local votes. In Connecticut, boards must convene meetings upon petitions from as few as 20 qualified voters, reinforcing direct input while limiting board discretion to agenda-setting rather than . Empirical analyses of governance indicate this balance fosters , with select boards' three-year terms (common in ) aligning executive continuity against annual or biannual meeting cycles that prevent policy stagnation.

Limitations on Authority

The authority of select boards in towns is primarily limited by the , which functions as the legislative body responsible for approving budgets, enacting bylaws, setting rates, and authorizing major expenditures or policy changes. Select boards possess to implement these decisions but cannot unilaterally override or initiate such legislative actions, ensuring that direct democratic oversight prevails in open systems prevalent in , , , and . For instance, in , town meetings must vote on all articles in a warrant issued by the select board, including fiscal appropriations, rendering the board subordinate in matters of and local ordinances. State statutes further circumscribe select board powers by defining enumerated duties, such as general of affairs, while prohibiting overreach into areas reserved for other officials or requiring adherence to procedural mandates. In , select boards oversee highways and property but must execute duties "required of " under law, without authority to deviate from statutory frameworks or prior directives on budgets. Similarly, Maine law mandates that select boards channel administrative directives through a town manager where applicable, barring direct orders to subordinates and emphasizing as a body. with select boards face analogous constraints under municipal charters, where executive roles are checked by representative or open for policy ratification. Violations of these bounds can invite or invalidation by state courts. Individual members face personal limitations, including strict conflict-of-interest prohibitions that bar direct or indirect financial stakes in town contracts or multiple paid appointive roles, enforceable under state ethics laws with penalties for non-compliance. All board actions require majority votes at duly posted open meetings, nullifying decisions made informally or by lone members, and compliance with laws ensures transparency. Town-specific bylaws or charters may impose additional restrictions, such as limits on appointing authority or requirements for ratification of select board proposals, adapting to local variations while preserving checks against executive overreach.

Leadership: The Chair or First Selectman

Selection Process

In , the first selectman is directly elected by popular vote during the biennial municipal held on the first after the first Monday in of even-numbered years, with the position appearing separately on the from that of the other selectmen. General § 9-188 governs this process, requiring candidates to file with the town clerk and prohibiting dual candidacy for first selectman and selectman roles; the also mandates minority representation on the board, restricting voters from voting for more candidates than allowed to prevent one party from dominating if the first selectman is from the majority party. Terms for the first selectman are typically two years, aligning with state cycles. In , select board members, including the potential first selectman, are elected by town voters during annual town elections, usually held in May, with boards consisting of three or five members serving staggered one- or three-year terms as specified by town charter or general law under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41. The chair, commonly designated as first selectman, is conventionally the elected member who receives the highest number of votes among the board candidates, reflecting voter preference for ; however, some towns' bylaws or charters empower the board to internally select the chair by majority vote at its organizational meeting following the . This method ensures broad voter participation without districting. Practices in other New England states like and similarly involve popular of select board members by voters at annual or biennial s, with the chair often determined by the highest vote recipient or by board vote post-, subject to local ordinances; for instance, Maine statute requires select board candidates to be voters and elected annually or for multi-year terms depending on vote. Variations stem from state enabling laws and -specific adaptations, prioritizing direct democratic input while allowing flexibility for administrative efficiency.

Distinct Responsibilities and Influence

In , the first selectman, serving as chair of the board of selectmen, acts as the town's , with authority over day-to-day municipal operations distinct from other selectmen who share general supervisory duties. This includes representing the town in official capacities, managing emergent situations, and serving as an ex-officio, non-voting member of all town boards, commissions, and committees unless a special act confers voting rights. The first selectman also participates fully as a voting member of the board itself, enabling direct influence on executive decisions like direction and administrative appointments. In and , where the selectboard typically elects a annually from its members, the emphasizes procedural rather than singular executive power, with the board collectively holding supervisory authority over town affairs. The presides over meetings to maintain order and efficiency, often following parliamentary procedures, and collaborates with the vice chair and town administrator or manager to set agendas, review warrant articles, and prepare annual reports. Additional duties include acting as the board's primary liaison to staff, presenting positions at town meetings, and handling routine inter-meeting matters on behalf of the board, such as external representations or orientations for new members. The chair's influence stems from agenda-setting authority, which shapes discussion priorities, and representational duties that position them as the public face of town , fostering consensus on policies while advocating board stances externally. In practice, this can amplify the chair's sway in small-town settings through tie-breaking votes—permitted in many bylaws during deadlocks—and by steering deliberations toward favored initiatives, though all actions require board majority approval to prevent unilateral overreach. In Connecticut's model, the first selectman's executive designation grants greater operational leverage, including coordination of town resources and personnel, enhancing their role in implementing board directives amid constraints. Across variants, the position's prominence demands , as chairs must limit public statements to consensus views to preserve board unity.

Historical Precedence of the First Selectman

The role of the First Selectman originated in the colonial selectmen system of towns, established in the early to delegate administrative duties from infrequent town meetings to a small elected board. Selectmen were tasked with executing town policies, managing finances, and overseeing daily , reflecting Puritan settlers' emphasis on ordered community self-rule amid frontier conditions. This structure drew from English vestry practices but adapted to emphasize local and covenant-based . The earliest documented board formed in , (now part of ), on October 8, 1633, when inhabitants elected 12 selectmen to handle responsibilities such as maintaining common field fences and resolving disputes, marking the foundational model for executives. Similar boards emerged rapidly in other settlements, with Watertown and adopting selectmen by 1634, and the practice spreading to towns like Plymouth itself by the 1640s. In these initial setups, selectmen served equal terms, typically one year, but one often assumed informal leadership as "first" to coordinate with colonial authorities and represent the town externally. By the late 17th century, as towns grew and statutes formalized selectmen under and colonial charters, the designation of a "First Selectman" solidified to denote the board chair, who bore primary accountability for warrants issuing town meetings, contract executions, and interactions with higher colonial courts. towns, influenced by models after 1636 settlements like , mirrored this by the 1660s, with selectmen—later including a designated first—enumerated in the 1662 as key officers for "superintending town concerns." This evolution addressed inefficiencies in pure , vesting executive continuity in the first position while preserving sovereignty. Post-independence, the First Selectman's precedence persisted through state constitutions, as in Massachusetts' 1780 frame where selectmen retained colonial-era powers minus royal oversight, and Connecticut's 1818 constitution upholding town-based selection. Early 19th-century records show First Selectmen in towns like Middlefield, Connecticut, managing infrastructure and poor relief, underscoring the role's enduring executive primacy rooted in 1600s precedents rather than later federal influences.

Contemporary Changes and Adaptations

Adoption of Gender-Neutral Naming

In recent decades, in towns have increasingly adopted gender-neutral terminology, replacing "Board of Selectmen"—a title originating in colonial-era —with "Select Board" to eliminate male-specific language. This shift aligns with municipal efforts to modernize official designations, though it has sparked debate over preserving historical precedents versus promoting linguistic inclusivity. Massachusetts has seen the most widespread adoption, with over 60 towns enacting changes to gender-neutral titles for their governing boards between 2019 and 2021 alone. The process typically requires approval via vote to amend local bylaws, often with minimal associated costs limited to updating signage, stationery, and legal documents. For example, Raynham voters unanimously approved the rename on May 19, 2025, following a board recommendation, while Monson approved it in May 2021 despite objections from residents decrying it as an erasure of tradition akin to "." Similar transitions have occurred in other states, such as , where Seymour's board unanimously adopted "Selectpersons" in September 2022, and , where a 2021 state revised statutes to default to "select board" terminology across municipalities. Proponents, including local officials, cite the change as a straightforward step toward reflecting diverse without altering substantive , while critics argue it imposes ideological preferences on longstanding, functional rooted in 17th-century English town practices. The Selectmen's Association, founded in 1929, has acknowledged the trend by supporting towns in adopting such names, though it maintains focus on policy rather than debates.

Shifts to Representative Town Meeting or Other Forms

In jurisdictions employing select boards as the primary executive authority, such as towns in Massachusetts and Connecticut, transitions from traditional open town meetings—where all registered voters may attend and vote on legislative matters—to representative town meetings (RTMs) have occurred primarily in response to population growth rendering open sessions logistically unfeasible. Under Massachusetts law, towns with populations exceeding 6,000 residents may adopt RTM through a voter-approved charter amendment, electing a body of representatives from geographic districts to deliberate and vote on town bylaws, budgets, and appropriations, while the select board retains executive oversight and agenda-setting influence. This structure preserves select board authority but streamlines legislative processes by limiting direct participation to elected members, typically numbering 150 to 250 depending on town size. Connecticut provides notable historical precedents for such shifts in select board-governed towns. Greenwich adopted RTM in 1933 amid rapid population expansion to over 33,000 residents, arguing that open meetings had become inefficient for informed decision-making on complex fiscal and issues. Similarly, Westport voters approved the change on February 26, 1949, to foster more representative as the town's growth strained open meeting attendance and requirements. These adaptations aimed to mitigate issues like low attendance by casual voters potentially swaying outcomes on specialized matters, while ensuring the select board could collaborate with a dedicated rather than a potentially unwieldy public forum. However, adoption of RTM has not been universal or irreversible, reflecting debates over diminished direct democratic engagement. In , only 32 towns had transitioned to RTM as of recent counts, with over 260 rejecting proposals, and three—Seekonk, Athol, and Webster—reverting to open town meetings due to concerns that elected representatives introduced barriers to broad citizen input and occasionally prioritized insider agendas over will. Proponents cite improved efficiency in handling larger-scale , such as multi-million-dollar budgets, without the disruptions of open debates dominated by low-information participants. Critics, including municipal analysts, argue that RTM can reduce , as representatives face fewer incentives to reflect diverse voter views compared to open meetings. Beyond RTM, some select board towns have pursued alternative forms to address modern pressures, including hybrid council-manager systems or full incorporation as cities. For instance, , abandoned town meeting structures entirely in 2017 via voter , establishing a city council and professional manager to replace the select board-town meeting model amid a surpassing 70,000, citing chronic failures and protracted deliberations in open formats. Such shifts often preserve select board-like executives but delegate legislative powers to smaller, elected councils, prioritizing administrative speed over participatory traditions. Empirical data from studies indicate these changes correlate with population thresholds above 10,000, where open town meeting attendance drops below 5% of eligible voters, though long-term success varies based on local implementation.

Responses to Modern Governance Pressures

Select boards in towns have faced escalating pressures from fiscal constraints, evolving state regulations on public access, and demands for enhanced administrative efficiency amid and service complexity. A 2025 report by the Municipal Association identifies a "" of factors, including a 2.5% cap on increases under Proposition 2½ enacted in 1980, rising costs for and infrastructure exceeding inflation rates, and insufficient state reimbursements for mandated programs, forcing many municipalities to operate at 95-99% of their levy limits. In response, select boards have pursued budget overrides via votes, regional service collaborations to share costs, and advocacy for legislative relief, though structural revenue limitations persist without local sales or authority. Technological and accessibility demands, intensified by the , prompted adaptations in meeting formats to comply with open meeting laws while maintaining public participation. In , select boards gained permanent authority for hybrid public meetings through extensions of emergency provisions, with a March 2025 bill allowing remote or hybrid formats for boards and committees upon reasonable justification, such as member health needs or . This shift, building on 2022 legislation, enables and remote attendance, addressing quorum challenges and broadening input from residents unable to travel, as evidenced by 62% of city council and select board meetings incorporating hybrid elements by early 2025. Similarly, Vermont's 2024 Open Meeting Law updates under Act 133 permit electronic participation without physical presence for more attendees, reducing barriers for selectboards in rural areas while upholding transparency requirements like advance notices and recordings. Regulatory compliance and governance complexity have driven structural adjustments, particularly in larger or growing towns where three-member boards face risks under strict open meeting rules. selectboards, often limited to three members, have navigated challenges from laws prohibiting informal discussions outside full meetings, leading to calls for policy clarifications on site visits and field inspections to avoid inadvertent violations. In response, towns like , proposed expanding select boards to five members in a November 2024 town meeting vote to distribute workload amid rising administrative demands from state environmental and regulations. These expansions aim to mitigate bottlenecks without shifting to representative models, preserving executive oversight while accommodating increased litigation risks and demands from scrutiny.

Controversies and Critiques

Debates on Terminology and Tradition

In towns employing the select board system, debates over have centered on the transition from the traditional "board of selectmen" to the gender-neutral "select board" or "selectboard," reflecting tensions between historical continuity and contemporary linguistic preferences. The term "selectmen" originated in colonial charters, such as Colony's 1641 framework, where it denoted elected executives selected by town voters, a role historically held exclusively by men due to prevailing legal restrictions on women's participation in . By the late , as women gained eligibility and began serving—often self-identifying as "selectwomen"—the gendered suffix drew scrutiny, culminating in statutory changes; for instance, enacted legislation in June 2021 amending state laws to replace "boards of selectmen" with "select boards" to promote inclusivity. Proponents of the change argue that archaic terminology perpetuates exclusionary connotations, asserting that neutral phrasing better reflects diverse electorates and avoids implying male primacy, especially since the original term predates in 1920. Advocates, including select board members like Jane Nevinsmith of , have claimed that "words hurt" and that in official documents fosters psychological comfort for non-male officials, with over 100 towns adopting the shift by 2021 through local votes or administrative decisions. In , voters approved the rename in January 2021, citing the term's roots in an era when women lacked voting rights. Critics, however, contend that the alteration prioritizes symbolic gesture over substantive tradition without empirical evidence of harm, noting that women have served effectively under "selectmen" for decades—such as in Wakefield, Massachusetts, where a 2017 proposal to rename arose despite an all-male board at the time, and female officials continued functioning without linguistic barriers. Opponents highlight practical costs, including reprinting signs, ballots, and legal documents, as seen in debates where tradition was invoked to preserve historical identity; in Goffstown, New Hampshire, residents voted 6-1 in August 2018 to retain "selectmen," rejecting claims of exclusion amid arguments that the term's functionality outweighs perceived offense. Some, like commentators in the Sentinel & Enterprise, propose alternatives such as "town council" while questioning whether terminology demonstrably stifles female participation, given women's longstanding roles without name changes. These disputes underscore broader cultural divides, with retentionists emphasizing causal continuity in governance structures—unchanged in core function since the —and reformers prioritizing perceptual equity, though data on or female candidacy rates show no to nomenclature. In , a May 2025 town meeting approved the switch with minimal dissent, reflecting a trend where opposition has waned as changes become normalized, yet pockets of resistance persist in valuing unaltered colonial-era precedents.

Questions of Efficiency and Accountability

Critics argue that the typical three-member structure of selectboards, common in many towns, contributes to inefficiencies by overburdening part-time elected officials with expanding administrative demands, such as and , without sufficient division of labor. For instance, in , town meeting voters approved expanding the board to five members in 2023 to improve workload distribution, yet the board's reluctance to advance the necessary highlighted potential resistance to structural changes that could enhance operational capacity. Similarly, in , ongoing debates in 2024 centered on increasing board size from three to five to better address complex issues like and fiscal planning, reflecting broader concerns that smaller boards struggle with timely amid rising pressures. Accountability mechanisms, primarily through staggered three-year terms and annual town meetings, face scrutiny for limited oversight of executive functions delegated to town managers or administrators, potentially enabling unchecked errors or conflicts. In Orange, Vermont, a 2025 discovery revealed the town had improperly transitioned to a five-member selectboard without required voter approval, necessitating corrective votes and exposing gaps in procedural adherence that undermined public trust in governance integrity. Ethics violations have also arisen, as in Middlebury, Connecticut, where a 2025 complaint found a selectman breached rules through undisclosed ties to a advocacy group opposing a local project, illustrating how personal interests can intersect with official duties absent robust disclosure enforcement. Instances of internal dysfunction further question , with reports of toxic workplaces and rejected investigations signaling inadequate self-regulation. In , the selectboard in January 2025 dismissed a citizen petition for an independent probe into resignations of police and chiefs amid claims of a hostile environment, prioritizing internal resolution over external scrutiny. Legal challenges, such as a 2020 in , accused selectboard members of violating ' constitutional through restrictive comment policies and abusive remarks, prompting judicial intervention on free speech grounds. Such cases underscore reliance on litigation rather than proactive internal controls, with state conflict-of-interest laws providing a framework but depending on voluntary compliance by municipal employees. Proponents of reform, including analyses, contend that selectboard systems lag behind modern needs, advocating transitions to representative town meetings or council-manager forms for professionalized accountability and efficiency, as seen in towns shifting away from open town meetings to mitigate issues and decision delays. However, defenders note that selectboards' fosters local responsiveness, though empirical trends show smaller boards prone to paralysis from interpersonal conflicts, eroding credibility when disagreements stall progress on .

Instances of Overreach or Politicization

In , a selectman accrued approximately $29,000 in unpaid premiums owed to the town over several years, knowingly failing to remit payments despite his as a public official. Other selectboard members neglected their oversight responsibilities by not addressing the issue promptly, constituting a breach of their collective duties. The Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General investigated and issued findings on June 12, 2020, prompting repayment after the probe began and recommendations for enhanced policies on insurance participation and board training. The , Select Board's public participation policy, adopted in 2017, restricted comments deemed "disparaging" or "personal attacks" during meetings, leading to allegations of chilling free speech. Residents filed suit in 2020, claiming the policy violated state and federal rights to free speech, assembly, and petition, exemplified by a 2018 incident where a selectman interrupted and verbally confronted a critic of alleged Open Meeting Law violations, followed by disputed meeting minutes omitting key details. The ruled the policy unconstitutional under the state Declaration of Rights in March 2023, affirming that government bodies cannot impose civility requirements limiting core political speech in public forums. In , the Select Board faced accusations of retaliation in 2021 after dismissing complaints of racially motivated policing filed by residents Joel Fowler and Cassandra Keating with the Vermont Human Rights Commission. The board publicly released the complainants' personal information, including addresses and vehicle details, along with related police videos, purportedly for transparency but allegedly violating state law (1 V.S.A. § 317) prohibiting disclosure of complainant identities without consent in abuse-of-power probes. The represented the plaintiffs, arguing the actions overreached by assuming an investigative role akin to a police review board and intimidated potential reporters of misconduct. During a , Select Board meeting on October 10, 2023, a board member directed profane language at a resident questioning town officials' handling of policies, escalating tensions over perceived politicization of enforcement. The incident, captured in a viral video, highlighted divides where local boards enforced or defended mandates amid resident skepticism, with the resident alleging broader suppression of dissent on measures.

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