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Town clerk seeks system purchase-order increases and discusses assistant vacancy; selectmen press for interim coverage
Summary
The town clerk requested PO increases for land-records services and described a recently retired assistant town clerk; selectmen urged posting and interim appointment to ensure office coverage.
The Town Clerk, Claudia, asked the Board of Selectmen to approve an increase of $16,625 to an existing FY25 purchase order with Valsoft Corporation (doing business as COT Systems) for land records hosting, microfilm services, audit services and a historic-preservation grant; the board approved the increase unanimously.
Claudia also requested a FY26 purchase order of $30,000 for the same vendor to cover monthly hosting, microfilm, audit services, office supplies and an anticipated preservation grant; the board approved the FY26 PO unanimously.
In a separate discussion, the clerk told the board that the office’s assistant town clerk, Janet, had retired July 31 and the department is short-staffed. Claudia said she would post for an administrative position; selectmen pressed for either a posting specifically for an assistant to the town clerk (the role Janet held) or an interim appointment to ensure the clerk’s statutory duties are covered when the town clerk is unavailable.
Selectmen asked for regular updates on hiring progress and recommended posting the assistant position at the same level Janet held. Claudia said an administrative posting had been placed; selectmen requested follow-up on whether an interim appointment or recruitment would proceed and suggested adding the item to upcoming agendas until resolved.
The board approved both purchase-order actions and discussed personnel coverage in the clerk’s office; selectmen emphasized the need for interim coverage or a prompt hire to maintain services and statutory responsibilities.
