Brentwood hires CPA contractor to reconcile finances and votes to create full-time finance post

The Brentwood Select Board voted to retain an independent CPA, approve limited interim staffing, and begin recruitment for a permanent full‑time finance director after hearing that town account reconciliations were incomplete through 2024.

At the meeting the board approved hiring Greg Colby, a CPA recommended by the town’s auditors, on an initial basis to reconcile accounts through 2024 and bring the town up to the present. Andrea (Town Administrator) described the consultant’s proposal: “He could come in. He again would be a hundred and $25 an hour. He says for 3 months, he could do it in 10 to 20 hours for 3 months and he could go from there.” The board required the contractor to provide at least biweekly progress reports.

Why it matters: board members and many residents said reconciling general ledgers and bank statements is urgent. Several residents described the current state as “embarrassing” and urged a quick, documented fix. The CPA engagement is a one-time, contract cost intended to produce completed reconciliations the town can hand to a permanent finance staffer.

Interim and permanent staffing decisions: the board also authorized Town Clerk Daphne to hire a part-time assistant for up to 16 hours per week (funded from the clerk’s existing budget). Separately, the board voted to post a full-time finance director position (minimum 35 hours per week) with starting pay described in the motion as “$35 an hour, more depending on experience and education.” Members said they expect the full-time hire would be needed longer term to manage payroll, reconciliations, and municipal accounting.

Costs and staffing options discussed: administrators presented several cost scenarios. One part-time 24-hours-per-week option for June–Dec was estimated at approximately $21,456 plus FICA/retirement; a 40-hour stand‑alone position was noted in discussion at roughly $60,000 a year in earlier estimates. The CPA consultant rate was stated as $125 per hour with an initial expectation of 10–20 hours per week for a limited engagement.

Public concern and oversight: residents pressed for clearer written deliverables and updates. Jim Burlow asked whether the contract guaranteed completion: “Where's the guarantee? … We're entering into a contract with no guarantee.” Board members said they understood unanticipated issues could arise during reconciliation, and the consultant’s scope would be monitored through regular updates.

Votes and next steps: the board voted 4–1 to retain Mr. Colby with the reporting requirement. The board also approved allowing the town clerk to hire a 16‑hour assistant and voted to post the finance director job with the parameters described above. Staff were asked to create a dedicated budget line or clear tracking for the consultant expense so future budgeting reflects the one‑time cost.

Ending: The Select Board directed staff to advertise the finance director opening, finalize the CPA contract with progress-report terms, and monitor the short-term assistant hire. The board said it would review staffing and budget impacts during the next budget cycle.