About Town Government
The Town of Hillsborough operates under a council-manager form of government. The Board of Commissioners acts as the legislative body in establishing policy and law, and the town manager handles the day-to-day operations of the town.
The town manager is responsible for implementing the decisions, laws and policies made by the Board of Commissioners. As the chief operating officer of town government, the town manager coordinates the operations of all town departments and is responsible for preparing a proposed operating budget for the board. The annual budget, as adopted by the board, provides funding, staffing and general guidance to the town departments for the fiscal year.
The Board of Commissioners makes the decisions, laws and policies for the town. The board appoints a professional town manager, who serves as the board's chief adviser.
The mayor and commissioners serve part time and are chosen through townwide nonpartisan elections. The mayor is elected to a two-year term, serves as the presiding officer at Board of Commissioners meetings, and acts as the head of the town for ceremonial purposes. The five commissioners are elected to staggered four-year terms.
The town offers a multi-week course aimed at helping community members increase their knowledge of town government, as well as their interest and ability in influencing and participating in town decisions. For more information, see the Government 101 page.
The town government mission statement charges personnel with enhancing the quality of life for the living beings and land within our town. To learn about town government's efforts in this area, see the environmental initiatives page on this website.
