Jane Wellman, a seasoned municipal leader with over a decade of service in Reading, presented her candidacy for the town manager position, emphasizing her commitment to the community and her comprehensive experience. Her roles as business administrator, director of operations, and assistant town manager have equipped her with the necessary skills to manage the town’s evolving needs. Wellman highlighted her ability to maintain fiscal responsibility, manage budgets, and support vulnerable populations through innovative solutions such as tax relief for seniors and veterans.

During the meeting, Wellman addressed the board’s questions, highlighting strategies to tackle budget challenges in the upcoming fiscal year. She pointed to the potential for strategic staffing decisions, such as not filling certain vacancies and optimizing existing personnel. Wellman also touched on the community’s development, citing the arrival of Trader Joe’s as a potential attraction and advocating for community events to enhance Reading’s appeal as a destination.

The board’s deliberations also covered the challenges of managing town operations, particularly concerning staffing and funding for new projects like the ongoing building developments and a pickleball project. Wellman stressed the importance of having both a town manager and an assistant town manager to ensure the effective oversight of these initiatives. She reiterated her vision for hiring an assistant whose skills complement her own, expressing a commitment to an inclusive selection process for the role.

Budget management was a recurring theme, with discussions about the recal building’s funding shortfall, which exceeded $25,000. Wellman clarified that while rental income would help, it would not fully address staffing and utility costs. She acknowledged the need for additional custodial and maintenance staff, given the demands of maintaining new facilities. Wellman underscored the importance of adapting budgets to available resources and exploring innovative cost management solutions.

The meeting also emphasized the necessity of community support for vulnerable residents, with discussions on increasing income limits for volunteer programs aiding seniors. The board and Wellman shared their intent to advocate for these issues in collaboration with relevant departments.

As the meeting progressed, the focus shifted to the need for stable and proactive town management. The board reflected on the past search processes for a town manager, expressing a desire for continuity and effective leadership during this transitional period.

Public comments reinforced support for Wellman’s candidacy, with representatives from various committees highlighting her invaluable contributions and leadership qualities. The board recognized the urgency of the decision, given the ongoing projects and the need for a seamless transition.