The RTM is the legislative body of the town, with its powers vested by the Town Charter. It has the authority to:
approve all expenditures by the town over $5000;
approve, reduce, and eliminate appropriations;
approve or reject nominations to town bodies as made by the selectmen;
decide whether the town shall accept federal or state funds for town projects;
create special committees to deal with particular subjects such as labor contracts, claims, and redistricting;
pass "sense of the meeting" resolutions urging that other branches of government initiate desired legislation, or expressing disapproval of actions that have been taken;
act as the final planning authority on municipal improvements;