Description of Elected Offices
Constable (elected or appointed). In some towns the constable is the town’s local law enforcement officer, with all powers of search, seizure, and arrest within the town. In other towns, the constable only has the power to serve civil process, assist the health officer in the discharge of his or her duties, destroy unlicensed dogs, kill injured deer, remove disorderly people from town meeting, and, if the first constable, to collect taxes, if no tax collector is elected. Should be good at de-escalating and resolving conflicts. 17 V.S.A. § 2646(7); 2651a
Dog Warden (elected of appointed). The Dog Warden's main duty is to respond to dogs running loose or barking excessively. In addition, the Dog Warden may be asked to respond to reports of unlicensed dogs, dog bites, or vicious dogs.
Listers (elected or appointment of an assessor). Appraise property within the town for the purpose of property tax assessment. Should be able to be polite, yet firm, and not be oversensitive to criticism. 17 V.S.A. § 2646(5); 2651c
Moderator (elected). Runs the annual and special town/school meeting. Should have a good sense of humor, be good at group process, and have experience following Roberts Rules of Order. 17 V.S.A. § 2646(1)
Selectboard Members (elected). General supervision and control over town; enacts ordinances, regulations, and policies for town; oversees town property and personnel; prepares, presents and manages budget; and oversees roads, including laying out, discontinuing, and reclassifying roads. Sits as local board of health, liquor control commission, and sewer commission. Should know the town well, be able to understand all sides of complex issues, and have very thick skin. 17 V.S.A. § 2646(4); 17 V.S.A. § 2649
Water Commissioners (elected or appointed). Water commissioners supervise the town’s water department by establishing water rates, and all the rules and regulations for the control and operation of the department. Should be a good manager and detail oriented. 17 V.S.A.§2646(17); 17 V.S.A. § 2652
Dog Warden (elected of appointed). The Dog Warden's main duty is to respond to dogs running loose or barking excessively. In addition, the Dog Warden may be asked to respond to reports of unlicensed dogs, dog bites, or vicious dogs.
Listers (elected or appointment of an assessor). Appraise property within the town for the purpose of property tax assessment. Should be able to be polite, yet firm, and not be oversensitive to criticism. 17 V.S.A. § 2646(5); 2651c
Moderator (elected). Runs the annual and special town/school meeting. Should have a good sense of humor, be good at group process, and have experience following Roberts Rules of Order. 17 V.S.A. § 2646(1)
Selectboard Members (elected). General supervision and control over town; enacts ordinances, regulations, and policies for town; oversees town property and personnel; prepares, presents and manages budget; and oversees roads, including laying out, discontinuing, and reclassifying roads. Sits as local board of health, liquor control commission, and sewer commission. Should know the town well, be able to understand all sides of complex issues, and have very thick skin. 17 V.S.A. § 2646(4); 17 V.S.A. § 2649
Water Commissioners (elected or appointed). Water commissioners supervise the town’s water department by establishing water rates, and all the rules and regulations for the control and operation of the department. Should be a good manager and detail oriented. 17 V.S.A.§2646(17); 17 V.S.A. § 2652