Select Board reviews recruitment and multiple open town positions; plans Q&A for select board vacancy candidates

The Brentwood Select Board discussed ongoing recruitment for multiple town positions and planned next steps to fill a select board vacancy.

Jillian (town staff) reported three letters of interest for the vacant select board seat from Bill Ferrea, Bob Montegary and Doug Finnan; the board set a date to interview those candidates at the next meeting and indicated a preference to hear brief statements and a Q&A before voting on Sept. 16. Several board members said they want the public Q&A and the candidate presentations to be part of the process so voters can observe the deliberations.

Open town positions discussed included town administrator (three applicants reported), building inspector/code enforcement (several applicants), recreation director (one application plus two expected), and welfare administrator (two applicants). The board debated whether to keep some postings open on a rolling basis or set closing dates. For the welfare administrator the board noted the role has been a stipend position ($625 per quarter) and said hours are “as needed.”

Board members emphasized that before offering interviews the board should clarify job descriptions, expected hours, salary ranges and whether positions are full- or part-time. Some members suggested asking select-board applicants to draft a job description and proposed pay range for the welfare administrator as part of their application process so the candidates can demonstrate their thinking.

The board agreed to continue the discussion at the next meeting with a full board present and to reach consensus on job descriptions, hours and salary ranges before proceeding with final candidate interviews and offers.

No hires or formal job offers were approved at the meeting.