BOARD OF SELECTMEN

The Board of Selectmen (BOS) is the executive governing body in Littleton, responsible for overseeing the town’s operations, ensuring compliance with state laws, and setting the direction for local governance. As elected representatives, BOS members play a critical role in managing public services, finances, and development while being accountable to the residents of Littleton.

The BOS operates under various New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA), which define their duties and powers. Some of their key responsibilities include:

Town Budget and Finance Management

• The BOS prepares and presents the annual town budget, including warrant articles for approval at the annual town meeting. They manage municipal funds, capital improvement plans, and taxpayer dollars responsibly.
• Governing RSA: RSA 32 — Municipal Budget Law

Setting Local Policies and Ordinances

• The BOS is responsible for establishing and enforcing local policies and ordinances. This includes zoning regulations, no-camping rules, trash collection guidelines, and other policies affecting public welfare.
• Governing RSA: RSA 41:11-a — Town Property Management

Personnel and Department Oversight

• The BOS hires, manages, and evaluates key personnel, such as the town administrator, police chief, and department heads. They ensure town employees deliver quality services.
• Governing RSA: RSA 41:8 — Appointment Powers

Contracts, Property, and Resource Management

• The BOS is responsible for entering into contracts, maintaining town-owned properties, and allocating resources like road infrastructure and public buildings.
• Governing RSA: RSA 41:11 — Town Property Management

Handling Legal Matters

• The BOS represents the town in legal matters, including lawsuits, negotiations, and agreements. They also ensure the town complies with state regulations.
• Governing RSA: RSA 41:10 — Authority to Represent the Town in Legal Matters

Warrant Article Management

• The BOS drafts warrant articles for annual and special town meetings, ensuring that residents have the opportunity to vote on budget items, zoning amendments, and major projects.
• Governing RSA: RSA 39:3 — Warrant Articles and Town Meetings
   

THE ROLE OF RESIDENTS IN ELECTING BOS MEMBERS

In Littleton, residents play a crucial role in ensuring the BOS represents their best interests through democratic elections. BOS members are typically elected during the town’s annual voting session, with staggered terms to ensure continuity in leadership.

How Residents Participate

• Voting in Elections: Residents elect BOS members based on their vision, leadership qualities, and stance on key issues.
• Campaign Involvement: Residents can engage by attending candidate forums, asking questions about policy priorities, and learning about candidates’ platforms.
• Holding Members Accountable: By tracking campaign promises and BOS decisions, residents ensure elected officials remain transparent and responsible.

ATTENDING BOS MEETINGS FOR TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY

BOS meetings are a vital tool for residents to stay informed and involved in town governance. They offer opportunities for public input, questioning officials, and gaining insight into town projects and policies.

Why Residents Should Attend BOS Meetings

• Stay Informed: Learn about decisions affecting taxes, infrastructure, zoning, and public services.
• Provide Input: Many BOS meetings include public comment periods where residents can voice concerns, ask questions, or offer suggestions.
• Track Spending: Review how taxpayer dollars are being allocated and whether they align with town priorities.
• Monitor Development: Ensure infrastructure and development projects are consistent with the Master Plan and community needs.

Legal Access to Meetings:
The New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A) ensures that meetings are open to the public and that minutes are recorded and accessible. Attending these meetings keeps officials accountable and fosters a collaborative government-citizen relationship.

HOLDING THE BOS RESPONSIBLE FOR COMMUNITY CONCERNS

Residents have several avenues to hold the BOS accountable for their actions and decisions:

• Public Participation: Speaking during meetings, submitting petitions, or attending public forums ensures that community voices are heard.
• Requesting Meeting Records: Under RSA 91-A, residents can request meeting minutes, reports, or financial documents to review BOS actions and performance.
• Petitioning for Town Meeting Articles: Residents can submit warrant article petitions if they believe certain issues need town-wide attention.
• Electoral Pressure: If residents are dissatisfied with a BOS member’s performance, they can vote them out of office during the next election or pursue a recall in extreme cases.

KEY ISSUES WHERE RESIDENT INVOLVEMENT IS CRUCIAL

• Budget Approval: Residents decide whether to approve or reject the town’s budget and warrant articles that reflect BOS priorities.
• Zoning Changes and Development: The BOS has significant influence over land use, so resident feedback on zoning amendments is critical.
• Infrastructure Projects: Road reconstruction, sewer improvements, and public works projects often require public input to ensure community needs are met.
• Public Safety Investments: Decisions on police and fire department funding benefit from community support and scrutiny.

A COLLABORATIVE FUTURE

The Board of Selectmen represents the backbone of Littleton’s government, but they rely on active and informed residents to guide decisions that align with the town’s long-term vision. By electing responsible leaders, attending meetings, and voicing concerns, Littleton’s residents can help create a more transparent, accountable, and effective local government—ensuring that decisions reflect the community’s collective needs and aspirations.