Vermont § 503 - Responsibilities, powers, and duties

Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 503 — Responsibilities, powers, and duties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 503. Responsibilities, powers, and duties

  • (a) In general, the Town Manager shall be accountable to the Selectboard and shall have
    general supervision of the property and business affairs of the Town and expenditures
    of all monies appropriated for Town purposes subject to prior approval by the Selectboard.
    The Town Manager shall not supervise any elected Town officer in the conduct of such
    officer’s duties. (b) In particular, the Town Manager shall have power and it shall be the duty: (1) To organize, operate, continue, or discontinue such departments as the Selectboard
    may determine. (2) To carry out the policies laid down by the Selectboard, to keep the Selectboard informed
    of the financial condition and future needs of the Town, and to make such reports
    as may be required by law or requested by the Selectboard together with any other
    reports and recommendations that are deemed advisable. (3) To keep full and complete records of the actions of the office of Town Manager. (4) To appoint, fix their compensation, and remove, upon merit and fitness alone, any
    subordinate official, employee, or agent supervised. Although the Town Manager may
    hold subordinate officers and employees of the Town responsible for the faithful discharge
    of their duties, the Town Manager shall remain ultimately responsible to the Selectboard
    for all administrative actions taken. (5) To be present at all regular meetings of the Selectboard except when excused by the
    Selectboard and to have the right to attend all other meetings of the Selectboard
    and committees except when removal or suspension is being discussed. (6) To keep the Selectboard fully advised as to the needs of the Town within the scope
    of the Town Manager’s duties and annually to furnish to them a five-year projection
    of capital improvements for the Town. (7) To examine or cause to be examined, with or without notice, the affairs of any department
    controlled or the conduct of any officer or employee. For that purpose, the Town Manager
    shall have access to all books and papers of such departments for the information
    necessary to conduct a proper examination. (8) To be the general purchasing agent of the Town and purchase all supplies for every
    department using the purchasing policy approved by the Selectboard. (9) To be responsible for keeping such books and accounts of disbursements for all Town
    departments. (10) To supervise all special programs of the Town as if the same were a separate department
    of the Town unless otherwise voted by the Selectboard. (11) To participate in the discussion of matters coming before the Selectboard and its
    committees but not the right to vote. (12) To perform such other duties that may be required of the office by vote of the Selectboard
    by law or by ordinance consistent with this charter. (13) To have charge, control, and supervision of the Police Department and to appoint,
    remove, and fix the compensation of all officers and employees thereof. (14) The Town Manager or designee shall be the Collector of Delinquent Taxes. (Amended 2021, No. M-16 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. May 31, 2022.)

Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 503

What does Vermont Statutes Online § 503 cover?

Section 503 ("Responsibilities, powers, and duties") is part of the Vermont Statutes Online, the codified statutory law of Vermont. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Vermont § 503?

A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 503" (Vermont). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Vermont law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Vermont official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Vermont attorney.

How does Vermont § 503 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Vermont can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Vermont.