Town proposes single full‑time position to cover building and fire inspections; council split on approach

Administration and fire officials presented Article 19, a proposal to create one full‑time position to serve both building and fire inspection duties. Presenters said much of the work overlaps and that one person could be trained to support both departments, providing coverage and flexibility rather than hiring two separate part‑time employees.

Committee members recalled prior discussion that identified skill differences between building and fire inspection work and questioned whether a single hire could meet both needs. Presenters said a job description has been drafted, and that they believe candidates with hybrid skill sets can be recruited or trained. The town council previously split on the proposal (noted in the meeting as a 4–4 split); the committee heard arguments both for and against combining the roles. No committee action was taken and the article will go to public hearing for voter consideration.