The Board of Selectmen has several important responsibilities under state statute: the power to prepare the town meeting warrant or agenda; the power to make appointments to town boards and offices; the power to employ professional administrative staff and town counsel; the power to sign warrants for the payment of all town bills; and the authority to grant licenses and permits. Apart from the strict legal responsibilities, the Board of Selectmen sets policy and strategic direction, coordinates the activities of other boards, and hears appeals and resolves problems that have not been settled at lower levels. The Board works through its Administrative Assistant who oversees the day-to-day operation of the Town under the Board's direction.