reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:13 - Removal of Mayor, Aldermen, and Councilors.

49-C:13 Removal of Mayor, Aldermen, and Councilors. –
I. The elected body may, on specific charges and after due notice and hearing, at any time remove the mayor or one of its own members for cause, including but not limited to prolonged absence from or other inattention to duties, crime or misconduct in office, or as specified in the charter.
II. Any vacancy occasioned by removal under this section shall be filled in the manner provided in the charter.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:14 - Ordinances.

49-C:14 Ordinances. –
Municipal legislation shall be by ordinance. Each ordinance shall be identified by a number and a short title. The enacting clause of each ordinance shall be "The City of __________ ordains," and the effective date of each ordinance shall be specified in it. All ordinances shall be recorded at length uniformly and permanently by the city clerk, and each ordinance so recorded shall be authenticated by the signature of the mayor and the city clerk. Ordinances shall be published, compiled and revised in such manner and at such times as the elected body shall determine.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:15 - General Powers.

49-C:15 General Powers. –
Except as otherwise provided, the elected body hereby established shall have all the powers and discharge all the duties conferred or imposed upon city councils in convention, city councils voting concurrently, or boards of mayor and aldermen acting separately, by RSA 44 through RSA 48 or other general law now in force or later enacted, or upon the existing city councils or board of mayor and aldermen of the city by special laws not hereby repealed. The elected body shall have the powers of selectmen of towns so far as consistent with this charter. All provisions of such laws pertaining to the powers or duties of any or all such bodies shall be construed to apply to the elected body unless there is a contrary intent or provision, it being the purpose of this chapter to confer upon the elected body all functions of the existing board of aldermen or city council, whether legislative, executive or judicial.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:16 - General Powers and Duties of Mayor and City Manager.

49-C:16 General Powers and Duties of Mayor and City Manager. –
The charter shall specify a mayor or city manager who shall be the chief administrative officer and the head of the administrative branch of the city government, supervising the administrative affairs of the city and carrying out the policies enacted by the elected body. He shall enforce the ordinances of the city, the charter, and all general laws applicable to the city. He shall keep the elected body informed of the condition and needs of the city and shall make such reports and recommendations as he may deem advisable and perform such other duties as may be required by charter, ordinance or resolution of the elected body. He shall have and perform such other powers and duties not inconsistent with the provisions of the charter as now are or may be conferred or imposed upon him by municipal ordinance or upon mayors or city managers by general law. The city manager shall have the right to take part in the discussion of all matters before the city council, but not the right to vote.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:17 - Appointment of City Manager; Qualification; Removal.

49-C:17 Appointment of City Manager;  Qualification;  Removal. –
I. The city council shall appoint as city manager for an indefinite term, and fix the salary of, a qualified person who receives the votes of at least a majority of the council. The first city council elected under this charter shall appoint a manager within 6 months after the effective date of the charter. The city manager shall be chosen solely on the basis of executive and administrative qualifications, but need not be a resident of the city or the state at the time of appointment.
II. The charter shall provide a detailed procedure for removal, after notice and hearing, of the city manager. The action of the city council in removing a city manager shall be final.
III. In case of a vacancy in the position of city manager, the council may appoint an acting city manager to serve at the pleasure of the council for not more than 180 days.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:18 - Appointive Powers.

49-C:18 Appointive Powers. –
Subject to the provision of the charter, the chief administrative officer shall have the power to appoint and remove all officers and employees in the administrative services of the city, and he may authorize and empower the head of a department or officer responsible to him to appoint and remove subordinates in such department or office. All such appointments shall be without definite term unless made for a provisional, temporary or emergency service not to exceed the maximum limits which may be prescribed by the merit plan.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:19 - Non-Interference by the Elected Body.

49-C:19 Non-Interference by the Elected Body. –
The elected body shall act in all matters as a body, and shall not seek individually to influence the official acts of the chief administrative officer, or any other official, or to direct or request, except in writing, the appointment of any person to, or his removal from, office; or to interfere in any way with the performance by such officers of their duties. Any member violating the provisions of this section, as determined through procedures established in the charter, shall forfeit his office.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:20 - Appointive Officers.

49-C:20 Appointive Officers. –
The charter shall provide for the appointment of a city clerk, a treasurer, one or more assessors, a fire chief, a police chief, a health officer, a city solicitor, a general assistance administrator, and such other officers as may be necessary to administer all departments which the elected body and the charter shall establish. Assessors shall, prior to appointment, have demonstrated knowledge of property appraisal or assessment and of the laws governing the assessment and collection of property taxes. The powers and duties of appointed officers and heads of departments shall be those prescribed by state law, by the charter or by ordinance. Unless otherwise provided in the charter or by law, the term of office of any appointed officer shall begin upon his or her appointment and qualification for office and shall end upon the appointment and qualification of his or her successor.
Source.
1991, 304:11. 2010, 226:2, eff. Aug. 27, 2010.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:21 - Departments; Administrative Code.

49-C:21 Departments;  Administrative Code. –
The city shall have departments, divisions, and bureaus as may be established by the charter or as the elected body may establish by ordinance. It shall be the duty of the first chief administrative officer, under the provisions of the charter to draft and submit to the elected body within 9 months after assuming office, an ordinance consistent with the charter which provides for the division of the administrative service of the city into departments, divisions and bureaus and defines the functions and duties of each. The ordinance shall include provisions for a merit plan to insure that all appointments and promotions in the service of the city shall be made solely on the basis of merit and only after appropriate examination or review of the applicants' relative knowledge, skills, abilities and experience. Subsequent to the adoption of such ordinance, upon recommendation of the chief administrative officer, the elected body by ordinance may create, consolidate or abolish departments, divisions and bureaus and define the functions and duties of each. The compilation of such ordinances shall be known as the "Administrative Code." Each officer shall have supervision and control of his department and of the employees of his department and shall have power to prescribe rules and regulations, not inconsistent with general law, the charter, the administrative code, and the provisions of the merit plan. Prior to adoption of the administrative code the chief administrative officer shall have the power to establish temporary rules and regulations to insure economy and efficiency in the several divisions of the city government.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:22 - Fiscal Year.

49-C:22 Fiscal Year. –
The fiscal and budget year of the city shall begin on January 1, or July 1, unless another date shall be fixed by the charter or by ordinance, and the charter shall address any interim period or transition.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:23 - Budget Process and Fiscal Control.

49-C:23 Budget Process and Fiscal Control. –
The charter shall provide for the following:
I. A budget submission date and a date by which an annual budget shall be finally adopted by the elected body. Failing final adoption by the established date, the budget shall be determined as provided in the city charter, or as originally submitted by the chief administrative officer if no such provision is made in the city charter.
II. One or more public hearings on the budget before its final adoption. A copy of the proposed budget and notice of the public hearing shall be published at least one week in advance of any public hearing.
III. Procedures for the transfer of funds among various budgeted departments, funds, accounts, and agencies as may be necessary during the year.
IV. An annual independent audit conducted by certified public accountants experienced in municipal accounting. Copies or abstracts of such audits shall be made public along with an annual report of the city's business. Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent the elected body from requiring such other audits as it deems necessary. Audit services shall be put out to bid on a periodic basis as specified in the charter.
V. Bonding of officials, officers and employees, the cost of which shall be paid by the city.
VI. Procedures for appropriation of funds, after notice and public hearing and by a
2/3 vote, for purposes not included in the annual budget as adopted.
VII. Designation of one or more depositories of city funds by the elected body, the periodic deposit of funds, and the security required for such funds. Personal surety bonds shall not be deemed proper security.
VIII. Periodic, but at least quarterly, reporting of the state of the city's finances to the public and the elected body by the chief administrative officer. The chief administrative officer, with approval of the elected body, may reduce appropriations for any item or items, except amounts required for debt and interest charges or other legally-required expenditures, to such a degree as may be necessary to keep total expenditures within total anticipated revenues.
IX. Establishment of a fiscal control function, including pre-audit of all authorized claims against the city before payment. The head of such function need not be a resident of the city or the state at the time of selection, shall not be treasurer, and shall be chosen solely on the basis of executive and administrative qualifications and actual experience in and knowledge of accepted practices in respect to the duties of municipal fiscal management.
Source.
1991, 304:11. 2003, 25:5, eff. April 30, 2003.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:24 - Borrowing Procedure.

49-C:24 Borrowing Procedure. –
Subject to the applicable provisions of state law and the rules and regulations provided by ordinance in the administrative code, the elected body, by resolution, may authorize the borrowing of money for any purpose within the scope of the powers vested in the city and the issuance by the city of other evidence of indebtedness therefor, and may pledge the full faith, credit, and resources of the city for the payment of the obligation created by such borrowing. Borrowing for a term exceeding one year shall be authorized by the elected body only after a duly advertised public hearing.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:25 - Special Assessment Resolution.

49-C:25 Special Assessment Resolution. –
The elected body shall have the power to determine that the whole or any part of the expense of any public improvement shall be defrayed by special assessments upon the property especially benefited and shall so declare by resolution. Such resolution shall state the estimated cost of the improvement, what proportion of the cost shall be paid by special assessments, and what portion, if any, shall be a general obligation of the city, the number of installments in which assessments may be paid, and shall designate the districts or land and premises upon which special assessments shall be levied.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:26 - Procedure Fixed by Ordinances.

49-C:26 Procedure Fixed by Ordinances. –
The elected body shall prescribe by general ordinance complete special assessment procedures concerning plans and specifications, estimate of costs, notice and hearing, the making of the special assessment roll and correction of errors, the collection of special assessments, and any other matters concerning the making of improvements by the special assessment method.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:27 - Employees When Charter Adopted.

49-C:27 Employees When Charter Adopted. –
No employee of the city at the time this charter is adopted shall be required to take any examination in order to continue within the employment of the city. All other provisions of the merit plan will apply to such employees. The incumbents when this charter takes effect who are not elected by popular vote, of all municipal offices not hereby abolished or superseded, shall continue to hold the same until the expiration of their respective terms where a term of years exists, or until such offices are abolished or superseded by lawful ordinances.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:28 - Oath of Office.

49-C:28 Oath of Office. –
Every person elected or appointed to any city office before entering upon the duties of his office shall take and subscribe to an oath of office, as provided by law, which shall be filed and kept in the office of the city clerk.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:29 - Notice of Election or Appointment.

49-C:29 Notice of Election or Appointment. –
Written notice of election or appointment of any city officer shall be mailed to him at his address by the city clerk within 48 hours after the appointment is made or the vote canvassed. If, within 10 days from the date of the notice, such officer shall not take, subscribe to, and file with the city clerk an oath of office, such neglect shall be deemed a refusal to serve and the office shall be deemed vacant, unless the elected body shall extend the time in which such officer may qualify.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:30 - Liability for Discharge.

49-C:30 Liability for Discharge. –
The removal in accordance with this charter with or without cause of a person elected or appointed or otherwise chosen for a fixed term shall give no right or action for breach of contract.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:31 - Violations.

49-C:31 Violations. –
Any person who violates any provisions of the charter, unless otherwise provided, or violates any city ordinance for which no other punishment is provided, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, notwithstanding RSA 651:2, be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned not more than 90 days, or both.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:32 - Public Records.

49-C:32 Public Records. –
All records of the city shall be public in accordance with RSA 91-A.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:33 - Optional Provisions; Limitations.

49-C:33 Optional Provisions;  Limitations. –
I. City charters may include provisions relating to any or all of the following matters:
(a) Referendum procedures whereby voters may petition to suspend implementation of an ordinance, except budget adoption and land use regulation ordinances, enacted by the elected body, require a reconsideration by the body and, failing satisfactory reconsideration, require a referendum on approval.
(b) Initiative procedures whereby voters may initiate ordinances by petition, require consideration of the petitioned ordinance by the elected body and, failing satisfactory consideration, require a referendum to enact the ordinance.
(c) Conflicts of interest so long as any provisions adopted are at least as stringent as the state general laws relative to conflicts of interest.
(d) A limit on the annual spending increases that increase the amount raised by taxes under the city budget adopted pursuant to RSA 49-C:23. Such a tax cap shall provide for an override threshold on a vote to exceed the limit on annual increases which shall be by a supermajority as determined in the charter. A tax cap provision in the city charter may provide for specific exclusions for dedicated, enterprise, or self-supporting funds or accounts, capital reserve funds, grants, or revenue from sources other than local taxes, or interest and principal payments on municipal bonded debt, or capital expenditures which shall be by a supermajority vote as determined in the charter. An ordinance or accounting practice that redistributes excludable budget items from within the limits of the capped budget to outside the limits of the capped budget shall be by a supermajority vote as determined in the charter.
II. Any election pursuant to initiative and referendum procedures shall be held within 60 days after certification of a valid petition or at the next regular municipal election, whichever is earlier.
Source.
1991, 304:11. 2011, 234:3, eff. July 5, 2011. 2021, 88:2, eff. Aug. 20, 2021.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-C - Local Option-City Charters › Section 49-C:34 - Saving Clause.

49-C:34 Saving Clause. –
So much of the previous charter of the city and of laws passed in amendment or supplementary to the charter, as now may be in force, relative to the constitution and bounds of its several wards, its school districts and sewer, lighting, and other special precincts and their government and affairs, to its water works, and to the borrowing of money in aid of its school districts, is hereby continued in force, with the exception of such provisions as are inconsistent with this chapter. All special legislation relative to the government of the city, not expressly saved, is hereby repealed. All general laws relative to the government of cities shall remain in force in the city so far as consistent with this chapter. Existing ordinances and other municipal regulations shall remain in force so far as the same can be applied consistently with the intents and purposes of this chapter, but are hereby annulled so far as inconsistent with this chapter. In all existing laws, ordinances and regulations hereby saved, references to the city councils, board of mayor and aldermen, board of public works, or other bodies or officers hereby abolished and superseded, or to bodies or officers hereby abolished and superseded, or to bodies or officers whose constitution or functions are hereby altered, shall be taken to mean the body or officer upon whom jurisdiction of the matter in question is conferred by the charter or by the administrative code.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-D - Local Option-Town Charters › Section 49-D:1 - Purpose and Intent.

49-D:1 Purpose and Intent. –
It is the purpose of this chapter to implement the home rule powers recognized by part I, article 39 of the constitution of the state of New Hampshire by providing an outline of optional forms of town government which may be adopted by any municipality pursuant to the process and restrictions set forth in RSA 49-B. It is the intent of the general court to recognize that while the pressures of growth, demand for services and complexity of governmental issues may compel citizens to consider alternative forms of governance of towns, which forms have the same or similar structural appearance and powers traditionally found in cities, that the preservation of a community's unique sociological and cultural heritage and history as a town be encouraged by the provision of the optional forms of town government described in this chapter.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-D - Local Option-Town Charters › Section 49-D:2 - Town Council-Town Manager.

49-D:2 Town Council-Town Manager. –
I. As distinguished from adopting a city form of government described in RSA 49-C, a town may adopt a charter pursuant to RSA 49-B providing for one of the legislative bodies allowed under RSA 49-D:3. A town charter providing for the form of legislative body pursuant to 49-D:3, I shall have the same powers and authorities as a city council under RSA 49-C, subject to the provisions of RSA 41:16. A charter establishing a budgetary town meeting pursuant to 49-D:3, II may reserve authority by the voters, at a referendum, over amendments to land use ordinances pursuant to RSA 675 and approval of bond issues consistent with RSA 33.
II. A charter establishing this form of government shall:
(a) Establish a legislative body as described in RSA 49-D:3.
(b) Provide for either the direct election by the voters or the selection by the elected body of a chair of the elected body and prescribe the term of office, powers and duties and other matters relative to the position.
(c) Provide for the appointment by the town council of a chief administrative officer to be called a town manager or similar title. This position shall head the administrative services of the town and shall be selected on the same basis, possess the same qualifications, be vested with the same authority, be charged with the responsibility and enjoy similar job security as town managers under RSA 37.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991. 2023, 213:1, eff. Oct. 3, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-D - Local Option-Town Charters › Section 49-D:4 - Non-Interference by the Elected Body.

49-D:4 Non-Interference by the Elected Body. –
The elected body shall act in all matters as a body, and shall not seek individually to influence the official acts of the chief administrative officer, or any other official, or to direct or request, except in writing, the appointment of any person to, or his removal from, office; or to interfere in any way with the performance by such officers of their duties. Any member violating the provisions of this section, as determined through procedures established in the charter, shall forfeit his office.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 49-D - Local Option-Town Charters › Section 49-D:5 - Transition Provisions.

49-D:5 Transition Provisions. –
Any charter adopted pursuant to this chapter may provide for the efficient and timely transition to any new form of government including, but not limited to, the holding of any necessary special elections, the phasing in of any aspect of the new form of government, expenditure authority during any transition and the integration of the remaining terms of office of any existing municipal officers as part of any new elected body established by the charter.
Source.
1991, 304:11, eff. Aug. 23, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 50 - Parks › Section 50:1 - Establishment.

50:1 Establishment. –
The selectmen or mayor and aldermen shall not lay out, establish, or enlarge a park or common unless the town or city councils of the city shall have voted in favor thereof.
Source.
1866, 4271:1. GS 45:4. 1873, 54:1. 1874, 29:1. 1877, 17:1. GL 49:4. PS 51:6. PL 55:14. RL 68:16.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 50 - Parks › Section 50:2 - Discontinuance.

50:2 Discontinuance. –
If any person suffers special damage by the discontinuance of a common or park he may have the damage assessed in the same manner as special damages are assessed in case of the discontinuance of a highway.
Source.
PS 51:7. PL 55:15. RL 68:17.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 51 - Town Lines and Perambulation of Boundaries › Section 51:1 - On Connecticut River.

51:1 On Connecticut River. –
The northerly and southerly lines of towns adjoining Connecticut river are continued and extended across the river to the westerly line of the state, and the west line of the state is the western boundary of such towns.
Source.
RS 37:1. CS 39:1. GS 47:1. GL 51:1. PS 52:1. PL 56:1. RL 69:1.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 51 - Town Lines and Perambulation of Boundaries › Section 51:2 - Perambulation of Town Lines.

51:2 Perambulation of Town Lines. –
The lines between the towns in this state shall be perambulated, and the marks and bounds renewed, once in every 7 years forever, by the selectmen of the towns, or by such persons as they shall in writing appoint for that purpose.
Source.
RS 37:2. CS 39:2. GS 47:2. GL 51:2. PS 52:2. PL 56:2. RL 69:6.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 51 - Town Lines and Perambulation of Boundaries › Section 51:3 - Additional Perambulation.

51:3 Additional Perambulation. –
If the selectmen of any town deem it necessary that the town lines be perambulated or any marks and bounds renewed at other times than at the regular perambulation provided for by RSA 51:2 they may give notice to the selectmen of the town adjoining and the procedure for said perambulation or renewing of bounds shall be the same as that provided in RSA 51:2, 4-7.
Source.
1935, 38:1. RL 69:7.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 51 - Town Lines and Perambulation of Boundaries › Section 51:4 - Return.

51:4 Return. –
A return of the perambulation shall be made, particularly describing the courses and distances and the marks and monuments of such line, which shall be signed by the selectmen or persons making the same, recorded in the respective town books, and filed with the secretary of state.
Source.
RS 37:3. CS 39:3. GS 47:3. GL 51:3. PS 52:3. PL 56:3. RL 69:8. RSA 51:4. 1969, 67:1, eff. June 13, 1969.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 51 - Town Lines and Perambulation of Boundaries › Section 51:5 - Notice.

51:5 Notice. –
The selectmen of the town first incorporated, or, if both were incorporated on the same day, of the town which is highest in the proportion of public taxes, shall give to the selectmen of the town adjoining notice of the time and place of meeting for such perambulation 10 days before the day of meeting.
Source.
RS 37:4. CS 39:4. GS 47:4. GL 51:4. PS 52:4. PL 56:4. RL 69:9.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 51 - Town Lines and Perambulation of Boundaries › Section 51:6 - Penalty for Selectmen's Neglect to Give Notice or Attend.

51:6 Penalty for Selectmen's Neglect to Give Notice or Attend. –
If the selectmen whose duty it is to give such notice shall neglect to notify as aforesaid, or shall neglect to attend agreeably to such notice, or if the selectmen of any town, after being duly notified, shall neglect to attend, or if any selectman shall neglect to cause a return of such perambulation to be made and recorded as aforesaid, each selectman so neglecting shall be guilty of a violation. Any fines collected shall be distributed with 1/2 for the use of the town whose selectmen have done their duty, and the other half to the use of the county.
Source.
RS 37:5. CS 39:5. GS 47:5. GL 51:5. PS 52:5. PL 56:5. RL 69:10. RSA 51:6. 1973, 531:15, eff. Oct. 31, 1973 at 11:59 p.m.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 51 - Town Lines and Perambulation of Boundaries › Section 51:7 - Disagreement.

51:7 Disagreement. –
I. When the selectmen of adjoining towns shall disagree in renewing and establishing the lines and bounds of such towns, the superior court for the county in which the town first incorporated or paying the highest tax as aforesaid is situate, upon petition and after notice to the other towns interested, shall, either examine said disputed lines or appoint a committee for that purpose, and the court's decision thereon shall be final; and the court may order either or both towns to pay the costs, as deemed just.
II. For a dispute as to the actual location of a town line arising in a matter on appeal before the board of tax and land appeals pursuant to RSA 76:16-a, the board of tax and land appeals shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the superior court and shall have the authority granted the superior court in paragraph I.
Source.
RS 37:6. CS 39:6. GS 47:6. GL 51:6. PS 52:6. PL 56:6. RL 69:11. 1951, 221:5. 1998, 344:1, eff. Aug. 25, 1998.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 51 - Town Lines and Perambulation of Boundaries › Section 51:8 - By County Commissioners.

51:8 By County Commissioners. –
When the place next to any town has no organization and is on the line of adjoining counties, the county commissioners of the county in which the place is situated shall be empowered to act in the perambulation of the line between the county and town, and shall be notified and proceed in the same manner and subject to the same liabilities as the selectmen of towns.
Source.
1881, 61:1. PS 52:7. PL 56:7. RL 69:12.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 51 - Town Lines and Perambulation of Boundaries › Section 51:9 - Alteration of Town Lines.

51:9 Alteration of Town Lines. –
No portion of the territory of any town or city shall be united with another town or city unless the legislative enactment providing for such union shall be ratified by 2/3 of the voters of each town or city affected, present and voting by ballot at the regular annual or biennial meeting for the election of town or city officers held next after the passage of such act.
Source.
1903, 99:1, 2. PL 56:8. RL 69:13.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 52 - Village Districts › Section 52:1 - Establishment.

52:1 Establishment. –
I. Upon the petition of 10 or more voters, persons domiciled in any village situated in one or more towns, the selectmen of the town or towns shall fix, by suitable boundaries, a district including such parts of the town or towns as may seem convenient, for any of the following purposes:
(a) The extinguishment of fires;
(b) The lighting or sprinkling of streets;
(c) The planting and care for shade and ornamental trees;
(d) The supply of water for domestic and fire purposes, which may include the protection of sources of supply;
(e) The construction and maintenance of sidewalks and main drains or common sewers;
(f) The construction, operation, and maintenance of sewage and waste treatment plants;
(g) The construction, maintenance, and care of parks or commons;
(h) The maintenance of activities for recreational promotion;
(i) The construction or purchase and maintenance of a municipal lighting plant;
(j) The control of pollen, insects, and pests;
(k) The impoundment of water;
(l) The appointing and employment of watchmen and police officers;
(m) The layout, acceptance, construction, and maintenance of roads; and
(n) The maintenance of ambulance services.
II. The voters who are domiciled in any village shall cause a record of the petition, pursuant to paragraph I, and their proceedings thereon to be recorded in the records of the towns in which the district is situate.
Source.
1849, 852:1. CS 116:1. GS 97:1. GL 107:1. 1889, 82:1. PS 53:1. 1909, 27:1. 1911, 5:1. PL 57:1. 1939, 108:1. RL 70:1. RSA 52:1. 1957, 179:1. 1961, 120:3. 1975, 13:1; 455:1. 1977, 154:1. 1981, 375:1. 2003, 289:14, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 52 - Village Districts › Section 52:1-a - Flood Control Projects.

52:1-a Flood Control Projects. –
Any village district organized under the provisions of this chapter may at a regular or special village district meeting vote to cooperate or act jointly with other village districts or with towns to defray expenses and take other appropriate action necessary to protect its interest in connection with federal or interstate flood control projects. Such village district may enter into agreements with other districts or towns for the purposes hereof and in such case the agreement shall be governed by the conditions set.
Source.
1957, 287:3, eff. Oct. 1, 1957.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 52 - Village Districts › Section 52:2 - Meeting to Consider.

52:2 Meeting to Consider. –
Such selectmen shall also forthwith call a meeting of the voters domiciled in the district to see if they will vote to establish the district, and if so to choose necessary officers therefor. They shall call the meeting and give notice thereof as town meetings are called and warned, excepting that the warrant shall be posted at 2 or more public places in the district.
Source.
1849, 852:2, 3, 4. CS 116:2, 3, 4. GS 97:2. GL 107:2. PS 53:2. PL 57:2. RL 70:2. 2003, 289:15, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 52 - Village Districts › Section 52:2-a - Budgetary Official Ballot.

52:2-a Budgetary Official Ballot. –
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any village district may vote to raise and appropriate money for the support of the district by official ballot as provided for in RSA 49-D:3, II-a, by following the procedures set forth in RSA 49-B. The village district may also include within its charter a plan for voting by official ballot, pursuant to RSA 49-B and RSA 49-D, on such other warrant articles as the village district may determine. For the purposes of this section, all references in RSA 49-B and RSA 49-D to "municipal," "municipality," "city," and "town" shall mean and include "village district," and all references to "elected body" and "governing body" shall mean and include "district commissioners."
Source.
1995, 53:5. 1997, 319:8, eff. Aug. 22, 1997.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 52 - Village Districts › Section 52:3 - Procedure and Powers.

52:3 Procedure and Powers. –
I. At such meeting the legal voters may by vote establish the district, give to it a name, and choose necessary officers therefor to hold office until the first annual meeting of the district.
II. The district shall thereupon be a body corporate and politic, and shall have all the powers in relation to the objects for which it was established that towns have or may have in relation to like objects, and all that are necessary for the accomplishment of its purposes.
III. The district may at an annual meeting vote to raise such sums of money as the voters judge necessary for the purpose of reducing an accumulated general fund deficit.
Source.
1849, 852:2-4, 7. CS 116:2-4, 7. GS 97:2, 4. 1874, 11:1. GL 107:2, 4. 1887, 42:1. 1889, 11:1. PS 53:3. PL 57:3. RL 70:3. RSA 52:3. 1994, 147:3, eff. July 22, 1994.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 52 - Village Districts › Section 52:3-a - Commissioners Duties; Acceptance by Municipalities of Roads.

52:3-a Commissioners Duties;  Acceptance by Municipalities of Roads. –
I. In addition to the general powers provided in RSA 52:3, the commissioners of a village district formed for the purposes of RSA 52:1, I(m), shall have the same powers, duties and responsibilities of selectmen of towns which are granted or required pursuant to RSA Title XX; and, where appropriate, selectmen of towns shall be construed to mean commissioners of village districts.
I-a. The commissioners shall publish in the next annual report, or post at the annual meeting, the general fund balance sheet from the most recently completed audited financial statements or from the financial report filed pursuant to RSA 21-J:34, V.
I-b. In the case of an accumulated general fund deficit, the commissioners shall insert an article in the warrant recommending such action as they deem appropriate, which may include, but is not limited to, raising a sum of money for the purpose of reducing that deficit.
II. No town or city shall be required to accept, lay out or maintain any road solely because the road was established or maintained by a village district. Dissolution of a village district under RSA 52:21 shall not affect the powers, duties and responsibilities of a city or town to accept, lay out, maintain or otherwise assume responsibility for any road established by that village district.
III. No town or city shall levy any fee or collect any tax for the use by any utility of roads maintained by a village district under RSA 52:1, I(m), except on the vote of the village district commissioners for remittance to the village district.
Source.
1975, 455:2. 1979, 72:1. 1994, 147:4, eff. July 22, 1994. 2015, 83:1, eff. Aug. 4, 2015.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 52 - Village Districts › Section 52:4 - Appropriations.

52:4 Appropriations. –
I. No village district shall raise or appropriate money, or reduce or rescind any appropriation of money previously authorized, at any special meeting of the voters thereof except by vote by ballot, nor unless the ballots cast at such meeting shall be equal in number to at least 1/2 of the number of voters of such district at the regular meeting next preceding such special meeting; and if a checklist was used at the last preceding regular meeting the same shall be used to ascertain the number of voters in the district; and such checklist, corrected according to law, shall be used at such special meeting upon request of 10 voters. In case of an emergency arising in a district for which immediate expenditure of money is necessary, the district through its commissioners may appeal to the superior court for permission to hold a special district meeting which, if granted, shall give said meeting the same authority as the annual district meeting.
II. Ten days prior to petitioning the superior court, the district commissioners shall notify, by certified mail, the commissioner of the department of revenue administration that an emergency exists by providing the commissioner with a copy of the explanation of the emergency, the warrant article or articles and the petition to be submitted to the superior court. The petition to the superior court shall include a certification that the commissioner of the department of revenue administration has been notified pursuant to this paragraph.
Source.
1907, 121:1. PL 57:4. 1931, 103:1. RL 70:4. 1943, 88:1. RSA 52:4. 1989, 172:2. 2003, 289:16, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 52 - Village Districts › Section 52:4-a - Contingency Fund.

52:4-a Contingency Fund. –
Every village district annually by an article in the warrant may establish a contingency fund to meet the cost of unanticipated expenses that may arise during the year. Such fund shall not exceed one percent of the amount appropriated exclusive of capital expenditures and amortization of debt by such village district during the preceding year. A detailed report of all expenditures from the contingency fund shall be made annually by the commissioners and published with their report.
Source.
1965, 123:3, eff. July 27, 1965.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 52 - Village Districts › Section 52:5 - Changing Boundaries.

52:5 Changing Boundaries. –
I. The selectmen of towns in which any such district has been established upon petition, after notice to parties interested and a hearing, may change the boundaries thereof; and the district shall cause the petition and the return of the selectmen's proceedings and decision thereon to be recorded in the records of the district, and of the towns in which it is situated, within 60 days after the decision.
II. In the case of any district formed for the purpose of impoundment of water, any such change of boundaries shall be ratified before taking effect by the voters domiciled in the district and in any area proposed to be added to the district in the same manner as is required for the initial establishment of the district.
III. In the case of any district formed for the purpose of the supply of water for domestic and fire purposes, which may include the protection of sources of supply, any such change of boundaries shall be ratified before taking effect by the voters domiciled in the district and in any area proposed to be added to the district in the same manner as is required for the initial establishment of the district.
Source.
1853, 1421. GS 97:6. GL 107:6. 1887, 28:1. PS 53:4. PL 57:5. RL 70:5. RSA 52:5. 1975, 13:2. 2002, 174:2. 2003, 289:17, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 52 - Village Districts › Section 52:6 - Added Powers.

52:6 Added Powers. –
A district established for any of the purposes mentioned in RSA 52:1 may from time to time by vote add thereto any other of said purposes; and from and after such vote it shall have all the powers and rights in relation to the new purposes that it previously had in relation to its original purposes.
Source.
PS 53:5. PL 57:6. RL 70:6.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 52 - Village Districts › Section 52:7 - Repealed by 1979, 410:2, XIII, eff. July 1, 1979.

52:7 Repealed by 1979, 410:2, XIII, eff. July 1, 1979. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 52 - Village Districts › Section 52:8 - Duties.

52:8 Duties. –
The moderator, clerk, treasurer and commissioners shall severally qualify and possess the same powers and perform the same duties in respect to the district's meetings and business affairs that the moderator, clerk, treasurer and selectmen of towns respectively possess and perform in respect to like matters in towns.
Source.
1849, 852:5, 6. CS 116:5, 6. GS 97:3. GL 107:3. PS 53:7. 1905, 99:1. PL 57:8. RL 70:8.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 52 - Village Districts › Section 52:8-a - Repealed by 1979, 410:2, XIV, eff. July 1, 1979.

52:8-a Repealed by 1979, 410:2, XIV, eff. July 1, 1979. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 52 - Village Districts › Section 52:9 - Repealed by 1979, 410:2, XV, eff. July 1, 1979.

52:9 Repealed by 1979, 410:2, XV, eff. July 1, 1979. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 52 - Village Districts › Section 52:9-a - Repealed by 1979, 410:2, XVI, eff. July 1, 1979.

52:9-a Repealed by 1979, 410:2, XVI, eff. July 1, 1979. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 52 - Village Districts › Section 52:10 - Repealed by 1979, 410:2, XVII, eff. July 1, 1979.

52:10 Repealed by 1979, 410:2, XVII, eff. July 1, 1979. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title III - Towns, Cities, Village Districts, and Unincorporated Places › Chapter 52 - Village Districts › Section 52:11 - Fire Department Engineers.

52:11 Fire Department Engineers. –
The commissioners shall appoint a chief engineer and assistant engineers to serve in the fire department for the ensuing year, and may remove them, for cause, after notice and hearing.
Source.
1849, 852:5, 6. CS 116:5, 6. GS 97:3. GL 107:3. PS 53:7. 1905, 99:1. PL 57:11. RL 70:11.