The meeting’s most prominent discussion centered on the proposal to change the town clerk position from elected to appointed. A presentation outlined the increasing statutory and administrative demands on the town clerk, which have evolved over the past decade. It was argued that an elected model does not ensure candidates possess the requisite skills and technical expertise. Consequently, transitioning to an appointed model could offer greater stability, improve succession planning, and ensure the individual in the role is well-equipped to handle its complexities.

The board considered the advantages and disadvantages of both models. An elected town clerk is directly accountable to voters, yet this can lead to the role becoming a popularity contest, risking unqualified individuals assuming the position. Conversely, an appointed model facilitates a merit-based selection process, effectively integrating the town clerk into the government structure and enhancing personnel practices, including performance evaluations and succession planning. It was noted that 117 municipalities in Massachusetts have already adopted the appointed model, up from 78 in the previous decade. The board plans to inform the community thoroughly about this proposal.

Another topic was the town’s health insurance budget, a primary reason for convening a special town meeting. Rising health insurance costs have exceeded initial budget estimates, prompting the finance committee and treasurer to propose an allocation of $124,000 to cover these expenses. The board discussed the unpredictability of health insurance requirements, influenced by factors such as employee leaves and dependents. With the Hampshire County Trust initially suggesting a 19% increase, later revised to 20%, the board emphasized offering competitive employee benefits while acknowledging the financial burden on taxpayers.

Relatedly, the board reviewed other financial adjustments needed for the upcoming special town meeting, including salary increases for the highway superintendent and tax collector, both stemming from previous budget oversights. Additionally, they discussed stipends for the emergency management director and deputy director roles. The board also addressed the misallocation of school boiler repair expenses to the snow and ice budget, requiring correction via a special town meeting article.

The formation of a police chief search committee was another focal point. The board is assembling a panel comprising representatives from town departments and community members to evaluate candidates for the police chief position. This effort aims to find individuals with law enforcement experience and a focus on community policing to rebuild trust within Shutesbury. The board emphasized a thorough selection process, highlighting candidates’ motivations and experiences, while also debating the necessity of including a finance committee member in the search process.

In addition to these discussions, the board addressed several other town governance issues. They approved a moratorium on data centers and proposed changes to the Council on Aging’s membership due to forum issues. Furthermore, they discussed implementing a townwide speed limit of 25 miles per hour, particularly targeting unposted dirt roads to curb speeding. Another proposed amendment involved splitting the annual town meeting into two sessions.

The meeting also included a report from the town administrator, who reflected on nearly six months in the role and proposed an evaluation form covering key components such as financial management and public relations. The board expressed the need for timely evaluations, considering upcoming holidays, and discussed the possibility of online publication for transparency.