Overview

The Town of Sheldon Selectboard is composed of five elected members responsible for the "general supervision of the affairs of the town." Three members are elected for three-year terms and two members are elected for two-year terms, on a staggered basis.

Powers of the selectboard include:

• legislative powers - writing and adopting local laws such as ordinances and bylaws;
• executive powers - adopting policies which guide the course of municipal affairs and the conduct of municipal actors;
• judicial powers - conducting hearings on road classification, vicious dogs, tax assessment appeals, and requests for tax abatement.

Responsibilities of the board include:

• drafting and reviewing the annual budget and setting the tax rate;
• issuing orders to direct payments from the town treasury;
• appointing members to the planning commission and development review board;
• filling vacancies in most municipal boards and offices;
• managing personnel including the Town Administrator, department heads and staff;
• appointing an Assessor to maintain the grand list, and ensuring a reappraisal is done when required;
• ensuring that an annual audit is conducted, and a report disseminated to voters prior to town meeting
• maintaining town highways, water and sewer systems, forests, and other municipal property;
• creating local laws and policies regarding public safety, emergency management, and animal control;
• adopting a town plan and development regulations; appointing a Zoning Administrator;
• working with the Town Administrator, Town Clerk and department heads to manage town affairs.