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New code-enforcement officer outlines training, books and uniform needs; Select Board discusses pay calculations
Summary
Brentwood’s new code-enforcement officer described budget lines for training, code books and uniforms, and Select Board members questioned salary calculations and the need to document verbal agreements on compensation.
Chuck, Brentwood’s code-enforcement officer, updated the Select Board on his department’s FY2026 budget request and operational needs. He said training and maintaining up-to-date code books are a major driver of the department’s expenses, and requested a books/publications line to cover potential adoption of newer International Building Code editions.
“The code review is every 3 years,” Chuck said. If New Hampshire and the town adopt the 2024 international building codes, he told the board the department would need new code books at an estimated cost of about $1,000 to remain current.
Chuck also noted the department is reviewing permit-fee structures and has started comparing fees with about a dozen neighboring towns; he said there is room to adjust fees to better align with costs. The board discussed adding a small uniform line (estimated roughly $100 per shirt, $200 for two shirts) and whether the town should pay for basic attire.
Board members raised questions about how the officer’s salary was calculated. The officer said his pay had been set informally when hired and that increases were intended to occur after six months and again later in the year to reach an annualized target. Select Board members recommended documenting wage arrangements in writing rather than relying on verbal agreements.
There was a motion to approve the code enforcement/building department budget including the proposed increases and a $200 uniform line; the record shows discussion and at least one member voiced opposition to approving an ambiguous salary structure without clearer documentation. The transcript does not include a clear final roll-call tally for that specific motion on the record extract.
Ending — The officer will continue work on fee comparisons, training plans and a uniform order; the board recommended formalizing salary decisions in writing and reviewing fee adjustments in subsequent meetings.
