Jefferson Select Board appoints new town clerk, contracts auditors and approves $40,192 warrant

At its July 29 meeting, the Jefferson Select Board signed appointment papers making Rachel Bethea the town clerk and Deputy Tax Collector and Deputy Registrar.

The board entered executive session under 1 M.R.S. §405(6)(D) at 6:03 p.m. and emerged at 6:25 p.m.; after the executive session the board voted 2–0 to contract with Royer to perform the 2023 and 2024 audits. Lynne reported earlier in the meeting that Fred, the auditor, had not been able to give a definite completion date for the 2023 audit other than "by the end of the year." The motion to retain Royer was recorded in the minutes; the mover and seconder were not specified.

The Select Board approved a town expense warrant totaling $40,192.02; the minutes state Lynne will verify whether two invoices on the school warrant are duplicates before final payment. The board also discussed setup of direct deposit, with Lynne noting she needs to complete a couple of test runs before the payroll cycle.

Administrative business included a decision to advertise the Alewives contract as a five‑year bid; Jeffrey Grotton requested copies of the previous contract and the past advertisements, which Lynne provided. The minutes record a property and casualty survey that identified rot and structural issues at the Town Office front door and floor, failing exit and emergency lights and trim repairs; the board agreed to place a newspaper ad seeking contractor estimates once a complete repairs list is compiled. Lynne reported several basement items will be disposed of.

Select Board member Pamela Grotton asked for clarification to Section 10‑D of the town's solar ordinance to add the phrase "if necessary" to specify who is responsible for dismantling and disposing of equipment. Lynne also reported minor repairs at the hydro dam were being handled, per Stanley Waltz.

The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.