Townshend Selectboard
Mailing Address:
Townshend Selectboard
PO Box 223
Townshend, VT 05353
Physical Address:
2006 Route 30
Townshend, VT 05353
Phone: 802-365-7300, Extension 5
Fax: 802-365-7309
Select Board Assistant
Connie Holt
cholt@townshendvt.gov
Selectboard
Members and Terms
- Chair of Select Board
Alene Evans
Term Expires 2027 - Vice Chair of Select Board
Catherine Marrow
Term Expires 2026 - Select Board Member
Nick Suarez
Term Expires 2028 - Select Board Member
Rob Wright
Term Expires 2026 - Select Board Member
Steve Frisk
Term Expires 2026
selectb@townshendvt.gov | (802) 365-7300 Ext. 5
Overview
The Townshend Selectboard is the municipality’s executive body. While its duties may appear straightforward at first glance, Vermont’s system of local government places specific and sometimes limited authority in the hands of the Selectboard. This section explains those responsibilities, common misconceptions, and how Townshend’s government operates within Vermont law.
Meeting Schedule
The Select Board meets in the Town Hall on the second and fourth Tuesdays of a given month at 6 PM. Additional meetings are scheduled, if necessary.
Upcoming Meetings
January 27, 2026
Selectboard 1/27/2026
6PM – Open End
January 13, 2026
Selectboard 1/13/2026
6PM – Open End
November 23, 2024
TEST Selectboard 11/23/2024
6PM – Open End
November 23, 2025
TEST Selectboard 11/23/2025
6PM – Open End
Town Reports
Statutory Authority
Under Vermont law, Selectboards are responsible for the general supervision and control of town affairs, including: • Enacting local ordinances, regulations, and policies
- Overseeing town property and personnel within their jurisdiction
- Preparing, presenting, and managing the municipal budget
- Overseeing roads, including laying out, discontinuing, and reclassifying roads
- Sitting as the local Board of Liquor Control
- Sitting as the local Board of Health
- Sitting as the local Sewer Commission, when applicable
Selectboard members must be familiar with the Town, able to understand varied and often complex issues, and prepared to make decisions in the best interest of the community.
Relevant Vermont statutes include:
17 V.S.A. § 2646(4); 17 V.S.A. § 2649; multiple case law decisions interpreting Selectboard authority.
Common Misconceptions
The most widespread misunderstanding is the belief that the Selectboard has “absolute authority” over all aspects of Town government. In Vermont, this is not the case. Townshend follows the traditional New England system in which many key officers are independently elected and answer directly to the voters, not to the Select board. Examples include:
- Town Clerk
- Town Treasurer
- Listers (or professional assessing firms)
- Constables
- Library Trustees
- Select board Members themselves
These officers do not report to the Selectboard. Their authority comes from the voters and from State law.
This can sometimes be frustrating for residents who bring concerns to Selectboard meetings about an elected officer. The Board may empathize, but has no legal ability to override independent authority granted by statute.
Personnel and Employment
The only employees who report directly to the Select board are:
- The Selectboard Assistant
- The Director of Public Works and the Highway Department crew
- Any positions created and appointed by the Selectboard
All other wages, including stipends for elected officials, are set by the voters at Town Meeting unless otherwise established.
Casual laborers or temporary employees may be hired as needed, but permanent positions fall under voter authority or statutory design.
Budgeting and Town Meeting
Each year, the Selectboard works closely with the Treasurer and other officials to prepare a proposed municipal budget.
This budget is presented to voters for approval at Town Meeting. The voters may:
- Approve the budget
- Reduce it
- Increase it
- Reject it entirely
The Select board is then responsible for spending the approved funds exactly as authorized by the voters, ensuring that expenditures benefit the Town and remain within legal and fiscal constraints.
Appointments to Committees and Boards
The Selectboard is responsible for making a range of municipal appointments, including but not limited to:
- Emergency Management Director
- Energy Committee members
- Representatives to regional organization
- Various unpaid boards or advisory groups
Understanding the Work of the Selectboard
Many aspects of Selectboard work are complex, technical, and regulated by state statutes. The best way for residents to understand the issues facing the Town is to:
- Attend Select board meetings (2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6 PM, Town Hall)
- Review posted agendas and minutes
- Watch recorded meetings through BCTV
- Participate in discussions during public comment periods
Overseeing even a small Vermont town requires significant time, attention, and judgment. While the work is often demanding, the Board remains committed to serving the voters of Townshend.















