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Select Board approves $30 cell‑phone stipend option and a town loaner phone
Summary
The board voted to allow a $30 voucher stipend for certain town officials who use personal phones for town business and approved purchasing a Mint Mobile phone to serve as a loaner for town office use.
The Andover Select Board approved adjustments to its cell‑phone policy Jan. 6, allowing a $30 stipend (by voucher) for the Treasurer, Town Clerk and Select Board members who use personal phones for official town business. The board also authorized purchase of a single Mint Mobile phone for use by Town Office employees as needed.
Discussion laid out eligibility criteria for the stipend, including employees who travel for town business, work alone or in locations without a town phone, or need two‑factor authentication for town accounts. Treasurer Amber Cooper noted other positions (fire chief, ACO, CEO, highway crew) may qualify and the board agreed to revisit broader policy language at the June meeting and to submit broader coverage to voters if funding is required.
Chair Brian Mills moved approval of the stipend option and purchase of the loaner phone; both motions were seconded and carried. The secretary said she does not use her personal phone for town work and would not claim the stipend. The board clarified that the immediate change covers office staff and elected officials, with additional positions handled later.
