Southborough appointed its first Selectmen shortly after the town was founded in 1727. The Select Board has several important responsibilities under Massachusetts Law, which include 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, and the authority to grant licenses and permits. The Select Board also 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.