Select Board directs administrator to notify HR manager that FY27 funding will not continue

The Townsend Select Board voted June 2 to acknowledge that the fiscal year 2027 operating budget does not include funding for the human resources manager position and directed the town administrator to notify the incumbent employee.

In a motion carried by roll call, Sarah Logan said the board should formally inform the employee that the town will not continue funding the position after ARPA support ends. "I, Sarah Logan, move that the select board acknowledge that the fiscal year 2027 operating budget does not include funding for the human resources manager position and direct the town administrator to notify the incumbent employee accordingly," Logan said during the meeting.

Board members expressed regret and noted steps for next administrative actions and the employee’s transition. The town administrator said she will provide written notice and outline next steps, consistent with applicable personnel and union rules.

Next steps: the town administrator will notify the incumbent and follow personnel procedures; the board did not vote to eliminate the position by ordinance but declined to include funding in the FY27 operating budget.