ANDOVER — In New Hampshire, town meetings serve as a form of direct democracy, allowing residents to participate directly in the decision-making process regarding local affairs (RSA 31:1). Held annually, the Town Meeting provides registered voters the opportunity to discuss, deliberate, and vote on a wide range of Town matters — such as budgets, ordinances, major projects, and warrant articles. These warrant articles can be written by citizens who gather the required number of signatures to bring them before the meeting for a vote.

Unlike representative forms of government, where elected officials make decisions on behalf of the people, the town meeting system gives residents the final say on important fiscal and policy decisions. At these meetings, citizens vote directly on issues, such as, approving budgets for schools, funding capital projects like road improvements or new Town buildings, and other major expenditures that affect the community.

The Select Board, on the other hand, serves as the executive body of the Town. While the Select Board’s authority is more limited in scope compared to the Town Meeting, it plays a crucial role in implementing the decisions made at the meeting and managing the day-to-day operations of the town. The Select Board is typically composed of a small group of elected officials responsible for overseeing public works, managing Town employees, enforcing local regulations, and handling issues that arise between Town Meetings.

However, the Select Board cannot unilaterally make significant financial or policy decisions that have not been approved by the Town Meeting. For example, the Select Board cannot raise taxes or approve large spending measures without the explicit consent of the voters at the Town Meeting.

One important distinction between the two bodies is that the Town Meeting holds legislative powers, while the Select Board performs administrative and executive functions. The Town Meeting is the primary decision-maker when it comes to establishing new laws, approving large-scale budgets, and setting major policies. The Select Board, in contrast, acts more like an executive branch, tasked with implementing the laws and policies set by the Town Meeting.

While the Select Board has some discretion over minor spending, it cannot alter major financial allocations or redirect funds without approval from the Town Meeting. This structure ensures that the Town Meeting sets the overall direction and priorities for the community, while the Select Board focuses on the practical details of executing that vision.

Since town meetings in New Hampshire are typically held once a year, the decisions made at these meetings provide a stable framework for the Town’s priorities and funding for the year. Meanwhile, the Select Board has the flexibility to make adjustments as needed, as long as those decisions fall within the boundaries of the approved budget and policies.

This system creates a balance of power where residents have ultimate control over key decisions, while the Select Board manages the ongoing operations of the Town, ensuring that it runs smoothly and efficiently within the parameters set by the community.