Select Board debates hiring HR/payroll position and other new staff tied to potential override

At its Aug. 27 retreat the Select Board discussed several proposed new positions that have appeared on past goal lists and in budget materials, most notably a full‑time human resources/payroll clerk, additional public‑safety staffing and other department hires that earlier documents flagged as contingent on an override.

Board members who supported adding HR capacity argued a dedicated HR/payroll position would reduce legal and payroll risk, improve benefits administration and free administrative staff and the accountant to focus on core financial work. One member said the town’s need for more robust HR oversight is “the most important thing” on the staffing list and would reduce exposure to employment‑related liabilities.

Other members pushed back on listing multiple new positions as board goals before the money exists. Several members noted the current goal list included many items marked “subject to override” and argued the board should narrow its priorities to five to seven achievable goals rather than maintain an extensive wish list. One selectman suggested evaluating positions during the formal FY27 budget process rather than committing them as top goals at retreat.

Budget and funding discussion: The board discussed the mechanics and consequences of a Proposition 2½ override and the town’s previous 2018 override; members noted that an override provides funding for a specified first year but often becomes folded into the general revenue base thereafter. The group discussed the difference between debt exclusions (for capital) and overrides (operating) and raised questions about long‑term affordability.

Outcome: The retreat produced a direction to prioritize and pare the goal list before adding permanent staffing commitments; no hiring motions or appropriations were made at the meeting. Board members asked staff to reframe staffing requests as budget items for review by the advisory committee and to return with cost estimates and phased options during the FY27 budget cycle.