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The Executive Branch
Many of the important duties exercised by the Board of Selectmen today originated early in the 17th century. Then, minute details of town business were decided at Town Meeting and executed by the Selectmen. As town meetings became more formal and were held less often, the Selectmen acquired more discretionary power. Suffield has a three member Board of Selectmen which is the Executive branch of government. The Board of Selectmen has specific duties outlined in the Charter, including setting overall policy as well as appointing electors to boards and commission. The Selectmen hold a hearing by February 28 each year to present the Annual Report. They then adopt the report within 15 days with any necessary corrections.
First Selectman
The First Selectman, the town's chief executive officer, is a full-time salaried official elected specifically to that position, who oversees the day to day operation of town government. The First Selectman or another Selectman so designated serves as an ex-officio member of all other town boards, commissions, and agencies. With the approval of the other Selectmen, the First Selectman establishes administrative personnel policies; sees to care and maintenance of all town property subject to the care of the Selectmen; enters into contracts or agreements on behalf of the town; and supervises the administration of town affairs, except for matters which by charter or ordinances are exclusively committed to the Board of Education or other boards and commissions.
Town Clerk The Town Clerk is a full-time, salaried official elected for a four year term. The Town Clerk serves as clerk at all town meetings and is the custodian of all official records, including land records, maps, and vital statistics of the town. These records can be inspected during regular office hours in the vault at the Town Clerk's Office on the main floor of the Town Hall. Meeting agendas and minutes of all boards and commission are posted in this office.
Tax Collector The Town Tax Collector is a full-time, salaried official elected for a four-year term. After the mill rate is set the Tax Collector sends out tax bills based on the grand list of motor vehicles, personal property, and real estate prepared by the Assessor. The office also issues and collects payment of sewer fees and sewer assessments.
Treasurer The Town Treasurer is a salaried official elected for a four-year term. The Treasurer's office is responsible for paying bills, receiving revenues, payroll, investments, and borrowings. The office keeps the town's financial records in accordance with State, Federal and Town regulations.
Boards and Commissions Special duties are assigned to various town Boards and Commissions . Some are elected and others are appointed. The mainstays of these boards and commissions are Suffield residents with a sense of civic duty who volunteer many hours of service. Minority representation is guaranteed by state statute on all boards and commissions. All boards and commission meetings are open to the public except for executive sessions. People wishing to bring matters before any board or commission may do so in writing or appearing in person. Meeting times and places are posted in the Town Clerk's Office and often appear in local newspapers. Meetings are always in public buildings and are conducted under the rules of the Freedom of Information Act. Minutes of the previous meetings are posted in the Town Clerk's Office.
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