Newbury Select Board Discusses Food Insecurity and Police Firearm Surplus

Overview: In a recent Newbury Select Board meeting, the executive director of Our Neighbors’ Table, a regional food access organization, delivered a significant report on the current state of food insecurity in Newbury, highlighting that almost one out of ten residents is living in a food insecure household. The report also introduced a new regional food hub intended to support local food pantries, such as the First Parish Newbury food pantry, by providing access to fresh foods. In other matters, the board discussed the deeming of police handguns as surplus following an upgrade to new firearms with red dot sights, which will be sold with proceeds returning to the general fund.

Newbury HR Board Tackles Job Classification and Compensation Challenges

Overview: At the recent meeting of the Newbury Human Resource Board, the primary focus was on the classification of key financial positions and the initiation of a comprehensive compensation survey. The board grappled with the intricacies of municipal finance roles, facing the challenge of attracting qualified candidates with the necessary expertise in fund accounting. This issue was compounded by the ongoing need to remain competitive in terms of compensation and benefits, prompting the board to consider a detailed study to compare their pay scales with those of other communities.

Newbury Zoning Board Approves Accessory Apartment Project

Overview: The Newbury Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on July 18th, 2024, resulted in the approval of an accessory apartment project and the discussion of a continuance for a separate property development.

Newbury HR Board Tackles Treasurer Collector Role Reclassification

Overview: The latest Newbury Human Resource Board meeting centered on the rigorous evaluation and reclassification of the treasurer collector position, a role that has evolved since its last review in 2012. The board reviewed various aspects of the position, including its increased HR responsibilities, cash flow projections, investment policies, and interdepartmental interactions, leading to a unanimous decision that the role now requires a bachelor’s degree and four to six years of relevant experience.

Newbury Board of Assessors Tackles Property Valuation and Tax Matters

Overview: The Newbury Board of Assessors meeting on July 9th, 2024, was a crucial convergence of discussions surrounding property valuation due to beach erosion, the reassessment of unknown ownership parcels, and the town’s right of first refusal in property transactions. The Board also engaged in procedural operations regarding abatements, exemptions, and the signing off of warrants and commitments for tax bills.