The Selectmen shall exercise a general supervision over all
matters affecting the interests or welfare of the Town.
[Amended 4-24-2023 ATM by Art.
16]
The Selectmen shall have full authority as agents of the Town
to institute and prosecute suits in the name of the Town, appear for
and defend suits brought against it and employ counsel therefor, unless
otherwise specially ordered by a vote of the Town.
The Selectmen may settle any claims or suits against the Town,
which in their opinion cannot be defended successfully, when the amount
to be paid does not exceed $200. They may employ counsel whenever
they deem it necessary.
The Selectmen may appear (either personally or by counsel) before
any committee of the legislature, or board or commission, to protect
the interests of the Town, but are not authorized by this section
to commit the Town to any course of action.
Whenever it shall be necessary to execute any deed conveying
land, or other instrument required to carry into effect any vote of
the Town, the same shall be executed by the Selectmen, or a majority
of them in behalf of the Town, unless the Town shall otherwise vote
in any special case.
The Chief of Police shall annually submit to the Board of Selectmen
a written report of all complaints, arrests and prosecutions made
by the Police Department.
Unless otherwise provided by a vote of Town Meeting, the Board
of Selectmen or Procurement Officer designated pursuant to MGL c.
30B is authorized to enter into any contract for the exercise of the
Town's corporate powers, on such terms and conditions as are deemed
appropriate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Selectmen
or Procurement Officer shall not contract for any purpose, or any
terms, or under any conditions inconsistent with any applicable provision
of any general or special bylaw.
The Selectmen of the Town shall administer the Langley Poor
and Needy Fund, formerly cared for by the Welfare Department.