During the meeting, the Select Board grappled with the decision to appoint a full-time assistant Treasurer collector, Angela Balck. The proposed hourly rate of $25.60 brought forward a debate concerning the town accountant’s approval, potential budget impacts, and the allocation of funds. The appointment highlighted a broader issue: the challenge of balancing the needs of the department against budget constraints amid uncertainty about the decision-making process. Concerns were raised regarding the fairness and equity in salary allocation for non-union members, particularly when juxtaposed with the potential hiring of an admin clerk at a lower rate.

The Select Board scrutinized the budgeted rate for the assistant Treasurer collector position for the upcoming fiscal year. The discussion was not only about the specific appointment but also touched on systemic issues such as establishing standard practices for posting job opportunities and ensuring transparency in the recruitment process. The Collins report, which presumably provided guidance on salary structures, was questioned for its methodology.

In addition to these appointment discussions, the board addressed the clerk’s working hours after identifying a calculation error. This led to a broader debate over job posting standards, including outreach requirements and the choice of platforms for advertising positions.

The meeting also broached the complex topic of emergency appointments and the necessity of identifying appropriate funding sources for these positions. Various proposals were considered, including tapping into the reserve fund.

The Select Board’s evening concluded with a transition into executive session at 7:46 pm to deliberate on matters related to the public safety building site, including considerations for the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property. However, the specifics of this discussion were not disclosed due to the private nature of executive sessions.