Policies, Ordinances, Guidelines

"Every town, at the annual meeting, shall choose, by ballot, one selectman to hold office for 3 years. The selectmen shall manage the prudential affairs of the town and perform the duties by law prescribed. A majority of the selectmen shall be competent in all cases." - New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated Chapter 41 Section 8.

The Selectboard acts as the executive branch of the Town Government, carrying out the policies and laws set forth by the vote of the Citizens at Town Meeting. Despite their responsibility as municipal executives, Selectboard members can only exercise those powers set forth by State law (Dillon's Rule).

In Chester, the Board of Selectmen is made up of five members, each elected to a three-year term. After Town Meeting, the Board selects a presiding officer from their ranks who shall serve as the Chair and one to serve as the Vice-Chair.

The Selectboard's functions consist of calling Town Meetings, proposing budgets and warrants, setting public policy, calling elections, setting certain fees, overseeing certain volunteer and appointed bodies, and creating basic regulations for the Town.