Commissioners on Nov. 19 heard the results of an anonymous employee engagement survey that commissioners described as “overwhelmingly concerning.” Commissioner Anna Butler presented the survey and said the results should not be swept under the rug: “The conclusive numbers state that only 38% of the staff is likely to continue their employment with the town,” she told the commission.

Public commenters and multiple staff excerpts in the packet contained explicit allegations of bullying, workplace mistreatment, and public attacks directed at employees. Resident Mary Wirtz requested the commission, manager and attorney immediately initiate a formal ethics complaint against Mayor Allison Dennington (a request the commission did not vote to pursue at this meeting). Several members of the public read verbatim survey comments alleging repeated bullying and that staff had been publicly criticized or had actions referred to outside agencies.

After lengthy debate and public comment, Commissioner Sherry Corey moved — and the commission approved by majority — to hold a focused workshop at the earliest practical date (December or January) with the town manager and an outside facilitator to review the survey findings, identify corrective steps and provide a written acknowledgement or “certificate of understanding” for commissioners who complete the training. The town manager agreed to seek facilitators and report back so a date can be set.

Town Attorney Ryan Knight counseled that anonymous survey responses are primarily informational and do not by themselves create a legal basis for enforcement action; he said that signed, specific complaints with factual allegations would be the typical trigger for legal or investigatory steps. Commissioners and residents urged the town to treat the survey as a call to action and to consider further personnel- or process-level remedies if signed complaints emerge.

What’s next: Manager will research and propose facilitators and scheduling for a workshop and will provide the survey agreement and full questionnaire to commissioners as follow-up.