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Templeton Select Board debates hiring HR/payroll benefits clerk to relieve staff workload
Summary
Select Board members discussed adding a part-time or phased HR/payroll-and-benefits clerk to reduce burdens currently carried by accounting and select-board staff and to provide a dedicated point of contact for employees and retirees.
Select Board members discussed the need for a dedicated HR/payroll-and-benefits position after several board members and staff described a growing workload for existing employees who currently handle benefits and payroll tasks.
Select Board member Ms. Graves said staff and retirees lack an accessible HR contact and that the assistant town accountant is taking on substantial benefits-related calls and online interactions. "This job is 100% needed for our employees," Ms. Graves said. Board members and staff described complications with retiree benefit transactions, paper-based payroll for some programs, and multiple people sharing HR tasks.
Several members argued the role could start as a part-time position (four to five hours Monday through Thursday) and be phased into full time if needed; others said the town should study budget impacts and the timing of hiring. Assistant Town Administrator Holly and other staff said they do not currently have the time or full resources to create hiring materials and asked the board to consider phasing or using existing unfilled budgets to cover part-time costs.
Board members agreed to begin budgeting conversations and to explore options (part-time hire, contracting services, or using existing unfilled positions) and to add the matter for deeper discussion in upcoming budget meetings. No formal hiring action or appropriation was made during the meeting.
Ending: The board directed staff to research options and return with cost estimates and possible funding sources so the Select Board can consider a part-time HR/payroll/benefits clerk in future budget cycles.
