: Serving as the civilian authority for police and public works in some states, like Connecticut.
: Overseeing public works like roads, sidewalks, and local traffic regulations.
: Issuing licenses (such as liquor or entertainment licenses) and managing town property and land regulation. Kingston Board of Selectmen: 8/26/2025 board of selectmen
The specific duties of a board are often defined by state statutes (such as RSA 41:8 in New Hampshire) and include:
: The board acts as the "executive branch" of the town, implementing the policies set by the legislative body, which is usually the Town Meeting . : Serving as the civilian authority for police
: While individual members generally have no power to act alone, the board as a whole operates by majority vote to manage the "prudential affairs" of the town. Primary Responsibilities
A (increasingly referred to as a Select Board ) is the executive arm of local government for most towns in New England, serving as the primary governing body responsible for administrative and policy decisions. Core Role and Structure Kingston Board of Selectmen: 8/26/2025 The specific duties
: Managing town finances and budgets, though they must often present these for final approval at a Town Meeting.