Form of Government

The Town of Stowe has a Council-Manager form of government, approved by the voters on November 7, 2006.

24 App. V.S.A. ch. 153, § 701

Under the Council-Manager form of government, the Selectboard is the legislative branch of the Town. They are responsible for policy-making, approving budgets, adopting local laws and regulations, and focusing on the big-picture goals of the community. The Selectboard appoints a Town Manager to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Town, who is chosen on the basis of executive, administrative, and professional qualifications; not on the basis of political affiliation. 

The Town Manager is the head of the administrative branch of the Town government. They are responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the Town, the preparation and administration of the annual budget, the enforcement of all Town ordinances, and the hiring and firing of Town employees, except for the Electric Department. The Town Manager is hired for an indefinite period They may not be a candidate for or simultaneously hold any elective office within the Town, be employed by the Town in any capacity except as Town Manager, or organize any political party or serve as a member of a political party committee.

Under the Council-Manager form of government, there is a clear distinction between the administrative role of the Town Manager and the policy role of the Selectboard. The day-to-day operations of the Town reside with the Town Manager, allowing the Selectboard to devote their time and energy to policy development and the assessment of the effectiveness of those policies within the community.

Town of Stowe Charter

Town of Stowe Organizational Chart(PDF, 88KB)