Branford's Town Government

Branford is administered by a First Selectperson (who acts as the Chief Administrative Officer), a Board of Selectmen, a 30-member Representative Town Meeting (RTM), and a six member Board of Finance that constitute the Selectmen/Board of Finance/RTM form of government.

The Representative Town Meeting is made up of 30 elected members representing five voting districts. The members of the RTM choose one of their members to be Moderator of the RTM, who presides over all its meetings.

The legislative power of the Town is vested in the RTM except as otherwise provided for by the electors. The RTM has the power to enact, amend, or repeal ordinances not inconsistent with the Charter or the General Statutes of the State. The electors have the power to approve or reject an ordinance by referendum, as provided in the Charter. The Board of Finance prepares the annual budget for recommendation to the RTM and sets the mill rate, as prescribed by the Town Charter.

General Town Elections are held in November of each odd numbered year to elect the First Selectperson, Board of Selectmen, Town Treasurer, Tax Collector, and RTM. Their terms of office are for two years.