Rutland recreation director proposes full‑time hybrid role; committee backs moving item into budget
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Summary
Recreation Director Mike Rowe proposed converting his part‑time position to a full‑time maintenance/recreation director in the next fiscal year, estimating a departmental budget around $98,000 and a $12,000–$15,000 increase. The Rec Committee recommended approval and the board asked staff to include the plan in upcoming budget work and consider voter approval if required.
Mike Rowe told the Select Board Oct. 8 he would like to transition the town’s recreation post to a full‑time maintenance/recreation director, merging maintenance responsibilities at Northwood and Dewey with expanded programming, senior services and winter offerings.
Rowe said the role he envisions is a hybrid position combining maintenance and program leadership. "My proposal is...to basically take the maintenance part, add that to my current salary...so I'm hoping to keep it at around a hundred and 98,000," he said, and added that he would not take town‑provided insurance because his spouse provides coverage.
Members of the Rec Committee and board members said they view the change as timely given growth in town recreation usage and a lack of volunteer leadership for senior programming. A committee representative told the board the committee "approved it" and praised Rowe's ideas for expanded winter programming, cross‑country ski trail conversion, and more senior activities.
Board members asked for budget numbers and direction from the committee so the item can move through the town’s budget process; several noted that the salary change would need voter approval if it is placed on the ballot. The board directed the Rec Committee and Rowe to prepare budget estimates for inclusion in preliminary budget materials.
What happens next: Rec Committee will refine the proposal and include precise salary and line‑item changes for the budget cycle; the board signaled support to consider the change in next fiscal year planning and, if necessary, to present it as a voter‑approved budget item.
