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The Board of Selectmen is authorized to create to types of policies:
Administrative Policies: These policies are formed under the board's broad duty to "manage the prudential affairs of the town" (RSA 41:8). These are administrative policies for town management, such as internal personnel policies or guidelines for using town property.
Policies authorized by state law or Town Meeting: The board can only act on issues when a specific law grants it the authority or when the Town Meeting has lawfully delegated that authority. Some examples include setting fees for regulatory programs or establishing local welfare guidelines, as outlined in state statutes.
The Board of Selectmen are the executive, managerial and administrative body, elected by the Citizens of our community to carry out the policies and laws set forth by a vote at Town Meeting or created under their authority by state statute. Despite their responsibility as municipal executives, Selectmen can only exercise those powers set forth by State law.
The Town Administrator (TA) is appointed by and reports to the Select Board, responsible for implementing town policies, coordinating all departments, managing the town budget, overseeing personnel and human resources, and acting as a liaison with citizens, boards, and officials. The TA will ensure the implementation of the direction of the Board of Selectmen as well as the town’s compliance with both State and Federal laws.
The first step of Policy creation is problem identification. Although most issues are discussed in open sessions of the Board, the Board may direct the creation of a policy due to the advice of Counsel, advice from the Insurance carrier, change in state of federal law or resulting from non-public session.
The TA will draft Policy at the direction of the Board of Selectmen and follow a process defined by these stages:
First Read - This is often the Board's first read of a policy drafted at the Board's request, which will often have input or review by legal counsel and/or the Town's insurance carrier. This may also be the review of an existing policy , which are reviewed annually for compliance with existing law or other external/internal factors.
Second Read - This is when Board members, town officials, residents and town staff may offer amendments and discuss the policy in depth. This process may involve more than one meeting and /or the policy may be tabled for additional research or review.
Final Read - This is when the Board will most likely take action to vote upon adoption of the policy. The Board could also table for further review if found to be in Town's best interest.
All polices on the agenda will be clearly marked with the appropriate stage of the policy.
Selectmen correspondence : Selectmen@litchfieldnh.gov
Town Administrator : kkleiner@litchfieldnh.gov
General Townhall requests: townhall@litchfieldnh.gov
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