The 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts are governed by state law, town charter, and general by-laws. Stoughton has a Representative Town Meeting with the Select Board and Town Manager serving as the overseeing entities. For other types of municipal government in Massachusetts, see this summary from the Mass Municipal Association.

Town Meeting

The Legislative body of Stoughton’s Town government is Representative Town Meeting. There are a total of 168 elected Town Meeting Members (21 from each of 8 precincts). 

The Annual Town Meeting begins on the first Monday in May of each year. If the business is not completed that day, an adjournment shall be taken to the next following Wednesday. If any business shall then remain unfinished, adjournment shall be taken to the next following Monday, with successive adjournments to the next following Wednesdays and Mondays until all business is completed, unless otherwise voted at one of the scheduled meetings.

Special Town Meetings may be called by the Select Board as needed – this often occurs in the fall.

Town Meeting is conducted at Town Hall with the Town Moderator presiding. The public is invited to attend, and may speak on issues being considered upon recognition by the Moderator. The  SMAC broadcasts Town Meeting live on the local government channel.

Overseeing Entities

Board of Selectmen

The Executive body of Stoughton’s Town government is the Select Board. This board consists of five members elected for three years, with overlapping terms. Meetings are held twice per month in the Great Hall at Town Hall, unless otherwise announced. The Select Board, as the chief elected officials, have general supervision over all matters that are not specifically delegated by law or vote to some other officer or board.

Town Manager

The Town Manager is appointed by the Select Board and serves as the chief executive officer of the Town. The Town Manager is responsible for day-to-day administration, appointing and supervising most Town employees, and implementing policies set by the Board of Selectmen and Town Meeting.