Town Leadership
The Town Manager & Board of Selectmen
Power in Saugus is split on purpose. The Town Manager is the professional who runs the town every day, hiring staff and managing the money. The Board of Selectmen, five officials elected by all Saugus voters, sets the policy the Manager carries out, and the Selectmen hire the Manager in the first place. One side brings the expertise, the other answers to the voters.
The Town Manager
Scott C. Crabtree
Scott C. Crabtree has run Saugus as Town Manager since 2015, after an earlier turn in the job from 2012 to 2014. A Saugus native who once chaired the Board of Selectmen himself, he is hired by the Board and answers to it. As chief administrative officer he oversees every department, writes the annual budget, serves as the town’s chief procurement officer, and fills most of its boards and commissions.
| Role | Town Manager (chief administrative officer) |
|---|---|
| In office | Since 2015 (also 2012-2014) |
| Office | Town Hall, 298 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 |
| Website | saugus-ma.gov |
The Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen has five members, all elected at large by Saugus voters. The Board picks one of its own as Chair to run the meetings, and the Selectmen gather about twice a month on Tuesday evenings in the Town Hall Auditorium.
Debra C. Panetta
Anthony W. Cogliano, Sr.
Jeffrey V. Cicolini
Michael J. Serino
Frank V. Federico
The Selectmen encourage residents to email the Board with questions and concerns. The Selectmen’s Office is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Who Does What
- The Town Manager appoints department heads, builds and runs the budget, signs contracts, and handles daily operations, all under Selectmen who hired the Manager and can replace the Manager.
- The Board of Selectmen sets town policy, hires and reviews the Manager, grants licenses (including liquor licenses), oversees traffic signs and signals, and approves the Manager’s picks for many boards.
- Town Meeting holds the purse: the Manager proposes the budget, but the 50 Town Meeting Members must vote to fund it.
Contact & Engage
- Town Hall: 298 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906. Main line 781-231-4124.
- Selectmen’s Office hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
- Meetings: Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall Auditorium, open to anyone.
- Agendas & minutes: posted on the town’s Agenda Center at saugus-ma.gov.
Sources
Saugus government website (saugus-ma.gov). Verified July 2026.
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