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Acton board hears fire chief’s concerns on recruitment, requests personnel-policy review
Summary
Fire Chief Wayne Ham asked the Select Board to review personnel policies, citing low PTO and retention risks; the board asked the chief to submit a list of needs and cost estimates and said it will consider a third-party benefits review and a workshop.
Fire Chief Wayne Ham told the Select Board on Aug. 14 that staffing and benefits warrant a formal review to support recruitment and retention.
Chief Ham said the department is seeing signs that candidates and personnel compare offers elsewhere and that the town should proactively review paid time off, longevity and the overall benefits package. "If a third party could do the review the personal objectivity would not be in question," Chief Ham said, recommending an external review of personnel policy.
Select Board members asked the chief to provide a detailed list of what the fire department needs to operate, estimated costs, and how those requests would affect the town budget. Tom McGurty said turnover data and vacancy periods would help the study. David Winchell Jr. said the board should hold a workshop after receiving the department's list and suggested separating Town Hall personnel matters from department-specific concerns because of differing recent efforts at Town Hall to improve the work environment.
The board did not vote to change policy at the meeting. It directed the Fire Chief to submit a prioritized list with cost estimates so the board can review options and, if needed, engage an external consultant.
