Frequently Asked Questions - Town Manager's Office

What is the primary role of the Town Manager?
The Town Manager is the chief administrative head for all town departments except the Exeter Public Library, which is governed by a separate Board of Trustees.  These departments include Police, Fire/EMS, Public Works, Human Resources, Water/Sewer, Parks/Recreation, Assessing, Information Technology, EXTV, Planning, Code Enforcement, Welfare, Finance, and Tax Collection.

The Town has other officials elected directly by the people, such as the Trustees of Trust Funds and the Town Clerk, and these officials work with, but do not report to, the Town Manager.  The Town Manager has oversight over the daily operations of the Town government with the exceptions noted.

Who does the Town Manager report to?
The Town Manager is appointed by and reports to the 5-member Select Board.

Is there an RSA (state law) that addresses the Town Manager position?
Yes.  The Town Manager is specifically referenced in RSA 37, also known as the “Town Manager Plan.”  The general and specific duties and authority of the Town Manager are described in this statute.

How do I get an appointment to see the Town Manager?
Appointments can be made by contacting the Town Manager’s office by phone at (603)-773-6012.

What are the hours of the Town Manager’s Office?
The Town Manager’s Office is open 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

I have an issue and I want to go “right to the top.”  Is this how business is handled?
Generally, depending on the issue, the Town Manager’s Office will refer requests to the respective department.  If the issue or question cannot be handled by the respective department, the Town Manager’s Office is available to review the situation and conduct further follow up.

Can I reach the Select Board through the Town Manager’s Office?
Yes.  Requests to the Board can be addressed to Select Board, 10 Front Street, Exeter, NH 03833.  You can also email selectboard@exeternh.gov. 

I would like to be on a Select Board’s agenda.  Who do I contact?
The easiest way is to contact the Senior Executive Assistant in the Town Manager’s Office  - pmcelroy@exeternh.gov or (603) 773-6102 - and make a request.  The Board’s agenda is prepared by the Board Chair working with the Town Manager.  Requests must describe the issue and topic for discussion for proper placement on the agenda. Backup materials may be requested.

Most public input is reserved for the public comment section of the meeting.

How frequently do the Select Board meet?
The Board generally meets every other Monday, although depending on the season they may meet more frequently or as needed to conduct Town business.

Are my emails to the Select Board or a member of the Board or the Town Manager public?
Generally emails sent to Board members, the Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager/HR Director or the Senior Executive Assistant from members of the public should be considered public.  There are a few exceptions to this, such as if something involves town personnel.  Depending on the subject matter, emails and correspondence may or may not be addressed or included in the Select Board’s packet.

When do the Select Board meet in non-public session?
The Select Board can only meet in non-public session under the exceptions noted in RSA 91-A, the right to know law.  These include employee compensation, potential litigation, and sale or acquisition of real estate. 

What is a non-meeting?
A non-meeting is reserved for collective bargaining discussions or advice from counsel.  These are not considered meetings under the Right to Know law.

Are Select Board packets online?
Yes. Packets are generally posted online the Friday before a Monday evening meeting.

How is the Town Manager involved in the Town budget process?
The Town Manager prepares a preliminary budget, which is forwarded each September to the Select Board and Budget Recommendations Committee for review.  The Budget Recommendations Committee reviews all budget requests and makes recommendations to the Board.  The Select Board then prepare the state budget forms and hold the necessary public hearings each January on the budget.  The budget is discussed at the deliberative session and voted on by the voters each March.  The Town Manager attends and participates in all budget meetings.  It should be noted the NH RSA's require a budget be prepared by the Town Manager by late January, however, due to the needs of the budget calendar, this is typically done much earlier.

Is the Town Manager involved in collective bargaining?
Yes.  The Town Manager leads bargaining efforts.  The Select Board must approve all labor contracts, and the Town Meeting must approve all cost items included in any proposed labor contracts.  The Town has three bargaining units covering police officers and sergeants, firefighters including lieutenants, and public works personnel and some administrative personnel.

I have a question involving streets and roads, pedestrian safety, or speeding.  Should I go to the Town Manager?
It depends.  Usually, traffic and pedestrian issues are handled by the Police Department or Public Works Department.  However, if your issue involves a change to a town ordinance, such as parking, the Select Board are the governing authority and you should go through the Town Manager on such an issue.

I want to review our Town Ordinances on things like dogs, bicycles, and noise.  Where do I find these?
Here is a link to the Town Ordinances under our Town Manager Section.

I want the Select Board to consider adopting or changing an ordinance.  What is the process?
You can write the Board a letter asking them to take up the issue.  Town Ordinances that are proposed for a change will include public hearings and input, and up to three readings at a meeting prior to adoption.

I want to use a Town facility or Swasey Parkway for a gathering or a meeting.  Should I go through the Town Manager?

We now offer a unified form for most event applications - see our Town Facility Use page for the form and fee schedule. An application for the use of the facilities must be made at least two weeks in advance of the date requested. For any questions on event applications, please contact Parks and Recreation at 603-773-6151 or nbugbee@exeternh.gov.