A significant portion of the meeting revolved around the potential consolidation of two administrative assistant positions into a single role. The CPC has secured funding for an administrative assistant to manage meeting logistics, agenda creation, and potentially handle funding applications. The Agricultural Commission, which meets infrequently, has a smaller budget of $1,500 for the year. The committee considered marketing both roles as one to offer a more substantial opportunity in terms of hours and pay, potentially making it more appealing to candidates. The proposed hourly rate for this position was $21.16, aligning it with current administrative assistant roles.

However, not all members embraced the idea of merging the two positions. One expressed concerns about the long-term sustainability of each role, questioning the viability of a combined position. The discussion acknowledged the necessity of maintaining distinct job descriptions, especially if funding changes impact the Agricultural Commission. The committee reached a consensus on the importance of keeping the roles separate on paper while remaining open to the idea of combining them for hiring efficiency. There was also an emphasis on ensuring job descriptions are clear and up-to-date, considering they are influenced by an ongoing compensation and classification study.

Another topic discussed was the recent resignation of the town’s animal inspector, a role that involves conducting barn inspections and managing rabies concerns. This position is characterized by its seasonal nature, requiring minimal hours outside peak times. The committee explored the possibility of collaborating with neighboring communities to fill this role, recognizing the difficulty in retaining personnel for such specialized, low-demand positions.

The committee also addressed the language and structure of job descriptions across town roles. A particular phrase, “errors may cause minor monetary loss and delay in providing services,” was scrutinized for its presence in both the CPC and Agricultural Commission assistant descriptions. While it was clarified that this wording is standard in town job descriptions to underscore the importance of accuracy in the roles, there was a discussion about potentially revising such phrasing for clarity. The committee acknowledged that some elements of existing job descriptions, like references to shorthand, are outdated and warrant updates to reflect modern job requirements.

The meeting touched on other personnel matters, including the status of a wage and classification study underway by Sandy. The committee was informed that Sandy was nearing completion, with plans to review and comment on a draft at a future meeting. Additionally, the committee discussed a vacancy within its ranks due to a recent departure, clarifying the process for filling the position, which falls under the town moderator’s responsibilities. Despite this vacancy, the committee maintained sufficient attendance to conduct its duties, such as budget approval.