The board’s conversation on salary adjustments was multifaceted, focusing on the need to align salaries of specific positions with those in comparable towns. The Assessor’s Clerk and the Treasurer’s positions were at the forefront, with debates on the appropriate level of increase and the potential implications on the town’s budget. Members considered the impact of these adjustments on future negotiations with other positions, including discussions about the Fire Chief and Police Chief’s pay. The potential cost of salary increases and the necessity of obtaining approval from the select board and finance committee were also calculated and debated.

During deliberation, the board scrutinized the methodology used for pay increases, especially the three-year rolling average, which some members feared would not keep pace with the current inflation rates. The suggestion to index pay increases to the annual inflation rate was introduced, with the idea of setting upper and lower limits as a guardrail against significant economic shifts. The psychological impact of lower pay increases on employees was a concern, with members reflecting on how past decisions regarding bonuses had affected employee morale. It was agreed that the board would revisit the pay calculation methods after another year to assess the impact of inflation. Members understood that any changes to the pay calculation method would necessitate approval from the select board and finance committee.

Inflation’s role in future salary increases was a topic of debate as members discussed the impact on hourly rates for various positions. The board scrutinized average, median, and adjusted average rates, noting discrepancies in the reported hourly rates for certain positions. The accuracy of data and the criteria for prioritizing positions for salary adjustments were questioned, especially for those positions found to be more than 5% off from the median. Concerns were raised about the potential effects of resignations and ongoing contract negotiations on salary adjustments. Calculations were performed to understand the impact of inflation on future salary increases, taking into consideration the salary percentage differences.

Further discussions included the status of various job positions within the town administration. The land use clerk position was put on hold due to changes in the Conservation Commission, and the conservation agent position was also on hold, with no current discussions taking place. The board addressed the cemetery groundskeeper and commissioner roles, mentioning a candidate being considered and the need for a warrant article related to compensation for the groundskeeper. The Personnel handbook, policy and procedures manual, and the outcomes of select board employee contract negotiations were also briefly mentioned.

The meeting provided a window into the local government’s operational challenges, revealing a focus on fiscal responsibility and the well-being of town employees.