Selectmen discuss outsourced finance and HR options ahead of next budget cycle

At the June 16 meeting the Greenland Board of Selectmen discussed whether finance and human resources tasks should be handled by hired staff or outsourced contractors ahead of next year’s budget process.

One selectman said he set up a call with a Greenland resident who provides outsourced CFO services to small organizations to evaluate whether part‑time contracting could fill finance needs before creating a full‑time finance director position. Board members also raised the possibility of outsourcing HR on a per‑diem or contract basis and noted larger firms or municipal consultants could provide continuity if needed.

Why it matters: selectmen framed the discussion as a budget‑planning question — whether to build a recurring finance position into the operating budget or use contracted services to meet near‑term needs while the new financial system is implemented. Staff and selectmen said they will collect information, contact the New Hampshire Municipal Association for guidance and speak with firms that provide outsourced finance and HR services.

Discussion points included the expected cadence of services (finance work possibly weekly or monthly; HR likely quarterly or as‑needed), the potential premium for continuity from larger firms, and a phased approach that would front‑load hours to clean up legacy accounting and then reduce to a maintenance level. Selectmen asked staff to gather job descriptions and vendor contacts for future consideration; no hiring decision was made at the June 16 meeting.

Next steps: a group of selectmen and staff will hold calls with suggested vendors, contact the New Hampshire Municipal Association for guidance, and report back so the board can decide whether to budget for a position or contract services before the next budget cycle.