Government

Since 1906, Somerset has been an incorporated town led by a Mayor and Town Council. The Mayor is elected for a two-year term, oversees the ordinances and regulations governing the Town, and serves as the administrative head of Town government. The Town Council consists of five members who are elected at large for staggered two-year terms. The Council approves the annual budget and all contracts, reviews and approves building permits, and makes laws. Somerset is served by a variety of committees comprised of Town residents. Additionally, Town Council members represent the Town on local and county boards and committees.

The Town Council meets on the first Monday of each month except when this date falls on a holiday and another date is set. The preliminary agenda for each monthly meeting is published in the Town Journal and the final agenda is sent out prior to the meeting and placed on the bulletin board of the Town Hall. Background materials prepared for the Council Members on the agenda items, minutes, and recordings of the meetings are posted or linked to on the website. All residents are welcome to attend the Council and Committee meetings.

Somerset has many committees which focus on a broad variety of Town issues and interests. The Mayor establishes the committees and appoints members and committee chairs, subject to the Council's approval. The committees usually have five to nine members of which one is the committee chair. In addition, each year the Council agrees on Council Member liaison and alternate assignments to the committees. The committees have official charters that are approved by the Council, agendas that are developed by the chairs and sent out by the Town Manager before the meetings, and official minutes that are developed by the chairs and sent out by the Town Manager after the meetings. Two committees, the Board of Supervisors of Elections and the Audit Committee are in the Town's Charter. All other committees were created by the Mayor.

Day-to-day administration of the Town is carried out by a small but dedicated staff supported by several contractors to ensure the provision of a variety of services to our residents. This staff is led by the Town Manager who is appointed annually by the Mayor and Council.

All Somerset residents 16 or older are eligible to vote in Town elections (pending finalization of Charter Amendment)
All Somerset residents 18 or older are eligible to run for office in Town elections.

Location

The seat of the government is the “Little Red House” at 4510 Cumberland Avenue, which the town purchased in 1965 to serve as the Town Hall. Built in 1902, the house aptly serves the historic community of Somerset.

Town of Somerset
4510 Cumberland Avenue
Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Phone: (301) 657-3211
Fax: (301) 657-2773
Email: town@townofsomerset.com
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