Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Conservation Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Conservation commission asks Hampden Select Board to raise part‑time staff hours amid benefits questions
Summary
Conservation commissioners asked the Select Board to increase part‑time staffer Joe’s weekly hours from 15 to 19 (board members favored 20 for scheduling), arguing it will cover unpaid work; Select Board members raised concerns about benefits eligibility and setting a permanent cap.
The Town of Hampden’s Conservation Commission asked the Select Board on March 9 to increase the weekly hours for a part‑time conservation employee known as Joe, saying the current 15‑hour allocation understates the actual work he performs.
“if we put Joe in for 19 hours a week, then it would pretty much cover all of the extra hours that he does,” Bonnie of the Conservation Commission said, arguing the higher hour cap would better reflect time logged and ease accounting for overtime.
Tom, identified as the commission chair, and other commissioners explained the additional time supports outreach and operations including a social media presence and site inspections. Board members said they broadly support raising the hours, with several favoring a 20‑hour proposal because it divides evenly into a four‑day schedule and simplifies payroll.
Select Board members cautioned that raising the cap to 20 hours could trigger eligibility for town benefits and that setting a permanent hourly cap now may stress the account in future fiscal years. A board member noted the position began midyear and current funds can cover the requested increase this year, but asked staff to work with advisory on the final number and funding source for FY27.
The discussion also touched on training and certification expenses as potential allowable uses of the conservation revolving fund. Commissioners said they would identify any certification needs and consider using the revolving fund for that purpose.
The board did not adopt a binding change at the meeting but signaled support for revising the advisory submission to reflect the commission’s request and the board’s direction to coordinate with advisory on final hours and funding.
