BET debate over HR committee RFP exposes resignations and complaint; HR RFP reported but action paused

The Board of Estimate and Taxation heard a report that the HR Committee approved an RFP by a 4–0–0 vote, but members engaged in a heated discussion about whether the full board should consider the RFP given internal disputes and an outstanding complaint.

Ms. Faciliotis (HR committee liaison) reported that the HR committee had approved the RFP 4–0–0. Several BET members said two Democratic committee members resigned and that a formal complaint had been filed about committee conduct; those two members told the BET they stepped back because they did not feel comfortable serving while an investigation was pending. Mr. Kalb said, “we just didn't feel comfortable that the committee could continue to function properly under a cloud of a legal complaint,” and Mr. Cowell and Mr. Rolcek echoed concerns about the committee’s ability to operate. Ms. Faciliotis said the complaint was against the HR committee in general and rejected characterizations that the committee was dysfunctional.

Why it matters: the RFP would commit town funds for HR consulting and affects hiring, staffing policy, and compensation studies. Several BET members said the full board normally reviews certain RFPs that spend consultant funds and that it would be appropriate to pause circulation of this RFP while committee-level personnel issues and allegations are resolved.

Board action: the HR committee’s internal vote (4–0–0) to approve the RFP was reported to the BET. There was no formal BET approval to circulate the RFP at the meeting; members said the RFP would not move forward until issues between the HR committee and the town HR director are resolved.