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Wells board tables proposal to make ocean-rescue captain a full-time director amid cost, revenue questions
Summary
Selectboard heard a months-long proposal to convert a part-time ocean-rescue captain into a full-time ocean-rescue director to boost lifeguard recruitment, training and equipment oversight; members voted to table the request until staff provide detailed cost breakdowns and revenue projections for the Beach Enterprise Fund.
The Selectboard on Feb. 11 paused action on a proposal to create a full-time ocean-rescue director position after members said they needed clearer numbers on the budgetary impact.
Supporters said a year-round position would improve recruiting, training and equipment maintenance and might reduce outsourced training costs. "We are projected for net for the FY '20 7 budget to be down a 160,000," the chair said when highlighting the fund's limits and the need for a full cost estimate. Proponents noted that the town’s part-time captain already performs many of the duties the new position would formalize.
The proposal presented a full FY27 cost near $102,000 including salary and benefits; staff said the incremental cost would be less because the candidate already works part time and some costs would replace existing hourly payroll. Mark, who introduced the concept, told the board it could yield recruiting and operational benefits that currently limit beach coverage: "We have beaches now that don't have any lifeguards on it," he said, arguing that year-round recruitment would help restore full coverage.
Opponents pressed for a precise accounting of the new position’s net cost and the downstream effect on lifeguard staffing levels and other budget lines. One member asked for clarity on how many additional lifeguards the town could afford and whether increased lifeguard hires would themselves add to the budget. Questions also focused on whether the Beach Enterprise Fund — projected by staff to hold roughly $200,000 now and to run a $160,000 deficit in FY27 under current spending — could sustain an ongoing salary without changes to revenues or fees.
After extended discussion about recruitment timing, training savings and possible alternatives, a board member made a motion to table both the personnel proposal and the beach-enterprise budget vote until staff returned with a detailed cost breakdown, including the true incremental payroll cost and any anticipated increase in lifeguard hires. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.
Next steps: staff will provide the requested financial detail for the full-time position and revised Beach Enterprise Fund projections before the board reconsiders the proposal.
