Key Responsibilities of a Selectman
Selectmen are not legislators—they do not create laws—but they oversee town operations, approve budgets, and make policy decisions that affect residents’ daily lives.
A Selectman’s role is guided by New Hampshire state laws and municipal regulations, ensuring that town governance remains transparent, accountable, and legally sound. Some of the core responsibilities include:
Financial Oversight & Budgeting
As outlined in RSA 32, Selectmen oversee the town’s financial health, approve the municipal budget, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are allocated responsibly.
Policy & Administration
Under RSA 41, the Board is responsible for managing town affairs, setting policies, and ensuring that town services function effectively.
Personnel Oversight
Selectmen appoint and oversee the Town Administrator (RSA 37), who is responsible for carrying out board directives, and work with department heads to ensure operational efficiency.
Infrastructure & Planning
Maintaining town-owned roads, buildings, and facilities while planning for future capital investments. Selectmen ensure compliance with RSA 674, which governs land use and planning in New Hampshire.
State Advocacy & Representation
The Selectmen also serve as Rindge’s voice at the state level, advocating for policies that benefit the town and ensuring that local concerns are heard in Concord.
Community Engagement & Public Trust
Holding public meetings, responding to resident concerns, and ensuring that decisions are made openly and transparently in accordance with New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A).