The Northfield Selectboard voted on Nov. 25 to execute three service agreements with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) for executive recruitment and two interim contracts.

The contracts cover an interim town manager, an interim police chief and a full-time recruitment for a permanent town manager. VLCT representative Bill Fraser told the board the full recruitment typically takes four to five months, includes community outreach and a brochure to describe the community, and usually allows 45–60 days for applicant solicitation. Fraser said background checks are offered as an additional expense and can range from standard criminal and reference checks to broader social-media screening depending on the board’s needs.

Board members asked whether a separate hiring committee would be formed; Fraser said VLCT will meet with the board as a group and individually to determine whether the town wants a formal committee or another arrangement. The board moved to approve all three contracts as a package; the chair called for voice votes, heard ayes and no objections, and directed staff to provide a cleanup signature copy for execution.

VLCT said work will begin immediately to identify interim candidates and to begin outreach for the permanent recruitment; the firm committed to return with a full contract for the permanent search and to coordinate with the town on screening and background-check options once the board decides the level of vetting it wants.

The board’s approval authorizes staff to sign the agreements and begin the search and interim placements. No separate public hearing was requested prior to signing; the board indicated it will continue to coordinate logistics (who will serve as point of contact during the transition) as candidates are identified.