TOWN GOVERNMENT OF BOYS STATE

Town meeting is the legislative branch of Massachusetts town government. All business to be conducted at town meeting will be listed on the Town Warrant. No business may be carried on by Town Meeting unless it is called for by an Article in the Warrant. Among those matters in the town that are considered articles are the election of officers, the enactment of by-laws and resolutions, and the appropriation of moneys needed for the town’s government. Articles must be submitted in writing by either a Selectman or by petition of at least five voters in the town. Town elections will be supervised by two elections officers, known as the Election Commission, members of which cannot at any time be candidates for office, but who can be appointed to minor positions. Volunteers should be sought for these positions; 1 from each party. With the exception of these two, any citizen may run for any office.

All citizens attend town meeting, a Moderator is elected to serve as the meeting’s presiding officer. Numerous committees will be asked to make recommendations on town meeting articles.

Each town will elect three members to the Board of Selectmen. A Chairman will be elected to serve as the Board’s presiding officer. Selectmen will also appoint all minor officers, supervise their work, provide for the enforcement of all local bylaws and regulations, and report on all town business.

Each town will elect three School Committee members, who will select a Chairman. The School Committee will propose legislation regarding school policy, prepare a school budget, and appoint a Superintendent to manage the school system.

Each town will elect three Planning Board members, who will select a Chairman. The Planning Board will make proposals to promote town growth, authorize building construction, and attend to all environmental concerns.

Each town will elect a Town Clerk, who shall keep accurate records of town meetings, and a constable who shall maintain order at town meeting and at polling places.

Each town will elect a Town Treasurer, who shall serve as the custodian of all town property and work closely with the Finance Committee.

Those citizens not elected to town offices shall be appointed to a position by the Board of Selectmen. Those positions include: Town Clerk, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Commissioner of Public Works, Town Counsel, Librarian, Purchasing Agent, Town Engineer, Health Director, Constable, or any other office deemed necessary, including a Finance Committee. The Finance Committee is responsible for the town budget, proposing legislation to increase revenues and providing financial recommendations.