You asked if a first selectman must get the town meeting's approval before he can apply for a state or federal grant. The Office of Legislative Research cannot give legal opinions and you should not regard this memo as one.

It appears that first selectmen can apply for and accept grants without getting the town meeting's approval, unless a town's charter or ordinance provides otherwise. The statutes give selectmen broad executive powers and assign specific duties and functions to them. It appears that they can apply and accept grants under the general power to "superintend the concerns of the town" (CGS § 7-12).

JR: ts