The Town of Barrington, RI is a small but vibrant community with historic charm and a rich heritage. Located in Bristol County, Barrington has a total area of 15.4 square miles, of which 8.4 square miles is land and 7 square miles is water. It has a population of approximately 17,100 residents and are conveniently located 7 miles from providence and 44 miles from Boston, MA.
Barrington is best known for the stability of its management, active community participation on boards and commissions, strong municipal services and renowned school system. Barrington has only had 5 Town Managers since the inception of the Town Charter in 1958.
Town Government
The Town of Barrington operates under a staggered term Council-Manager form of government. The Town Council, consisting of five members, is elected at large with elections occurring every 2 years. The Town Council establishes policy, enacts ordinances, and appoints the Town Manager. The Town Manager is responsible for appointment of all Town Department heads, which includes The Town Clerk, Public Works, Fire, Police, Assessors, Finance, Planning, Building and Zoning, Recreation, Human Resources and the Senior Center. The Town employs approximately 117 full-time employees and up to 50 seasonal employees, not including the schools. The Fire, Police, Dispatch and Public Works Departments are represented by unions. The School Department is a department of the Town; however, the School Superintendent is appointed by a School Committee that is directly elected by the residents of Barrington.
