The staffing challenges were further underscored by the revelation that one employee is effectively working every day of the year, leading to potential burnout. The department struggles to attract qualified candidates due to the competitive compensation packages offered by neighboring municipalities. A participant noted the disparity, highlighting past pay stubs from Hoyok Waterworks that offered double-time pay for weekend work. The board acknowledged the statewide shortage of licensed water personnel, further complicating recruitment efforts.

Concerns were raised about the broader implications of altering the water department’s compensation structure, as it could set a precedent for other non-union employees in the town. This prompted discussions about the financial ramifications and the need for a careful evaluation of policy changes. The urgency of the situation was emphasized, with the possibility of contracting a licensed third-party company at high cost if staffing issues are not resolved.

In addition to the water department’s challenges, the board addressed several other topics. The anticipated increase in health insurance costs by 10 to 20 percent mid-year, potentially impacting the town’s budget by $150,000 to $250,000, was a concern. This increase could affect the town’s coverage of insurance for teachers, posing a financial challenge for both the town and local schools. The board discussed past increases and acknowledged the difficulty this presents, especially after accounting for an 18 percent rise in the prior budget.

The meeting also featured an update on the Fiscal Year 2024 audit, with approximately 40 percent of tasks completed. Confusion regarding concurrent fiscal year audits was noted, with a request for a progress report at each meeting to monitor submissions to the auditor. A typo in the Town Administrator’s report concerning the fiscal year was identified, leading to a brief discussion about the importance of clarity in reports.

In terms of community engagement, the board discussed the upcoming town events, including the Celebrate Southampton event scheduled for August 16, which will feature craft vendors, food trucks, raffle prizes, and a historic train ride. The 250th anniversary celebration includes a concert at Conan Park and a larger town “birthday party” planned for August 23. The board encouraged community participation in these events.

The board also addressed the Hazard Mitigation Plan update, with a meeting scheduled for the first week of September to gather input from various boards and committees. The board suggested holding a separate public hearing for a focused discussion on the plan, which could be more beneficial than including it in a regular meeting.

In personnel matters, the approval of a Personnel Change Form for Robin Richard was discussed, with clarification on her hours across multiple departments ensuring she reaches a 40-hour workweek. The board unanimously approved the form. Additionally, the appointment of Dominic Ramachi as a full-time police officer was addressed, following his transition from a part-time role. The urgency of the approval was noted, given the potential delays if the Police Personnel Board did not meet again before the Select Board’s next meeting.