• The power to set the spending level.
• The power to set the bylaws of the town.
• The power to set the pay scales for town employees.
• The power to act on the town meeting agenda.
• The power to decide the level of services.
• The power to implement new programs.

The Board of Selectmen is the executive branch, although it has no veto power over town meeting, rather it serves at the behest of the residents primarily as caretakers between the annual and special town meetings. The duties of the Board of Selectmen vary greatly from town to town; however according to state laws all boards have the following powers:

• The power to sign warrants for payment of all town bills.
• The power to make appointments to specific town boards or offices.
• The power to hire professional administrative staff and town counsel.
• The power to prepare the town meeting warrant.

The Board of Selectmen oversees the spending of the money which has been appropriated by town meeting. The Board of Selectmen can determine how efficiently the town operates through individuals it hires (particularly Department heads, and in turn the individuals they hire). The Board of Selectmen must ensure that the town follows all state statutes pertaining to town government. The Board particularly focuses on on the policy matters, leaving execution and details to the paid staff of the town, most importantly through the Town Administrator. As the chief elected officers of the town, the Board also tries to bridge communications across the other independently elected or appointed offices, as well as community and business groups.

Members of the Board of Selectmen are elected to a three-year term of office. They are paid an annual stipend of $400.00. In order for an individual to run for office, the following criteria apply:

• Must be a registered voter in the Town of Boxborough.
• Must collect and return to the Town Clerk a petition with 25 signatures from registered voters approximately five weeks before the election to be on the ballot.
• It is also advantageous to have served the town in some other capacity.