Resident questions paid scorekeeper hire; selectmen approve appointment

The Thompson Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the appointment of Jaden Watkins, a Turtle Memorial High School student, as a paid scorekeeper for the basketball season through Feb. 28, 2026. The recreation department’s nomination lists pay at $16.94 per hour for an expected 4–6 hours weekly; the motion passed with Jeffrey moving and Larry seconding.

During citizen comments, Sally White of 308 East Thompson Road asked why the town clerk’s office needed three people and questioned making the scorekeeper a paid hire rather than a volunteer. “It is rather curious to think that it isn't a volunteer position,” she said, adding that the pay rate surprised her.

First Selectman Nick responded that the town recently hired a new assistant town clerk who requires training and that the appointment of an additional on-call worker is intended to cover absences and training periods, not to expand permanent full-time staffing. Third Selectman Jeffrey noted the scorekeeper role previously served as ball‑boy duties and that the current hiring is a recreation‑budgeted position.

The meeting also recorded clerk‑office appointments submitted by Town Clerk Gail Livingstone and noted a retirement; those items were read into the record as matters of record. The board processed $1,085.81 in tax refunds as a separate unanimous motion later in the meeting.

The board did not change hiring policy at the meeting; selectmen said staffing and recreation hires follow existing budget line items. The next selectmen meeting was announced for two weeks later.