2011 Vermont Code
Title 24 Appendix Municipal Charters
Chapter 101 TOWN OF BARRE
§ 21 Powers and duties in particular

§ 101-21. Powers and duties in particular

The town manager shall have power, and it shall be his duty:

(a) To organize, operate, continue or discontinue such departments as the board of selectmen may determine.

(b) To carry out the policies laid down by the board, to keep the board 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 board, together with any other reports and recommendations which he may deem advisable.

(c) To appoint and remove, upon merit and fitness alone, all subordinate officials, employees and agents under his control and, with the approval of the selectmen, to fix their compensation as provided in section 39(c) of this Charter. 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 board for all administrative actions under his jurisdiction.

(d) To be present at all regular meetings of the board of selectmen, except when excused by the board, and to have the right to attend all other meetings of said board and committees thereof, except when his removal or suspension is being discussed, provided that this section shall not be construed to deny any right the town manager may otherwise have to a public hearing relative to his removal.

(e) To keep full and complete records of the actions of his office, to keep necessary accounts, to render to the board of selectmen an itemized monthly report showing in detail the disbursements of the preceding month, and to maintain an appropriate budget control system.

(f) To keep the board of selectmen fully advised as to the needs of the town within the scope of the manager's duties; and annually to furnish to them, as prescribed in this Charter, a detailed budget proposal; and also to furnish to them annually, a five-year projection of capital improvements for the town. To enable the town manager to made estimates of expenditures and receipts all boards, officers and committees of the town shall, upon his written request, furnish all information in their possession and submit to him in writing a detailed estimate of anticipated income and appropriations required for the efficient and proper conduct of their respective responsibilities during the next fiscal year.

(g) To examine or cause to be examined, with or without notice, the affairs of any department under his control, or the conduct of any officer or employee thereof. For that purpose he shall have access to all books and papers of such department for the information necessary for the proper performance of his duties.

(h) To be the general purchasing agent of the town and purchase all supplies for every department.

(i) To supervise all special programs of the town as if the same were a separate department of the town, unless otherwise voted by the town.

(j) To have charge, control and supervision of the following matters:

(1) The police department, including appointment and removal of the chief thereof, with the consent of the selectmen.

(2) Any town fire department supported by town funds, including the appointment and removal of the chief thereof, with the consent of the selectmen.

(3) The system of licenses not otherwise regulated by law.

(4) The system of sewers and drainage.

(5) Lighting of highways, bridges and public places.

(6) Construction and maintenance of town highways.

(7) Town buildings, and repairs and construction on town buildings.

(8) Maintenance of parks, playgrounds, forests and other public lands, unless otherwise provided for in the administrative code.

(9) Any public water system owned or operated by the town.

(k) To cause duties prescribed for towns and not committed to the care of any particular officer to be duly performed and executed.

( l) To participate in the discussion of matters coming before the selectmen and its committees, but not the right to vote.

(m) To perform such other duties which may be required of him by vote of the board of selectmen, by law or by ordinance, consistent with this Charter.