Newbury HR Board Discusses Compensation Study and Employee Vacancies

Overview: The Newbury Human Resource Board’s April meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to conduct a town compensation study and addressed current employee vacancies. The board discussed the need for competitive bids to select a firm for the compensation study, a process aimed at ensuring the town’s salary structure remains competitive with similar municipalities. Additionally, the meeting covered recent personnel changes, including promotions within the Department of Public Works (DPW) and new hires in the Fire Department and as the Assistant Treasurer/Collector.

Newbury Receives $200,000 Grant for Culvert Replacement

Overview: The Newbury Select Board meeting highlighted the approval of a substantial $200,000 grant for the replacement of the Orchard Street culvert, a infrastructure project for the town.

Newbury Council on Aging Discusses Outreach and Upcoming Events

Overview: In a recent Newbury Council on Aging meeting, the board focused on community outreach efforts and the introduction of new programs at the center. A member detailed a successful recruitment campaign aimed at involving more senior citizens in the Council’s activities. The campaign included distributing newsletters and schedules of events to encourage participation from seniors, especially those who return from winter locations and might be unaware of the ongoing programs.

Newbury Approves Special Permits, Advances Cricket Lane Project

Overview: The Newbury Select Board has granted multiple special permits, including the approval for a new accessory apartment and the merging of lots for an existing property, during a recent meeting. Additionally, the board made progress on the Cricket Lane project by discussing a regulatory agreement essential for the project’s advancement.

Newbury Finance Committee Tackles School Budget and Special Education Costs

Overview: The Newbury Finance Committee meeting delved into the complexities of the school budget, the management of free cash, and the rising costs of special education, all within the larger context of fostering greater community involvement and transparency in the town’s financial affairs. The discussion on the school budget, particularly surrounding a failed application for a new high school and the need for a detailed explanation of the situation to the public, stood out as a issue.