Like all of the towns within New York State, Newburgh is governed by a town board. In Newburgh, the board consists of four councilpersons, and a town supervisor who presides and exercises limited executive authority. The supervisor is elected to a two-year term, in odd numbered years. The four councilpersons are elected to four-year terms, but are staggered so that two are elected in each odd numbered year. A aown clerk is also elected to a two-year term, concurrent with the supervisor, and a receiver of axes is elected to a four-year term. Unlike most towns in New York State, the assessor of real property is not an elected official, but is appointed by the town board. Likewise the superintendent of highways is appointed, not elected. Two town justices are elected to four-year terms: one in odd numbered years; the other (due to a midterm death in 1997) in even numbered years. The town justices (formerly called justices of the peace) are the chief judicial officials of the town, and since 1963 no longer sit as members of the town board, as had previously been the case.