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Select board moves to expand from three to five members; special meeting discussion underway
Summary
After extended debate about turnout and logistics, the select board approved a motion to pursue a faster plan to expand the board to five members and discussed a possible March special meeting (candidates and warrant details still to be finalized).
The South Thomaston Select Board voted to approve moving forward quickly on a citizens' request to expand the select board from three to five members and discussed logistical steps for a possible special town meeting in March.
A citizen-initiated request to increase board membership was introduced, and members outlined two paths: hold a special town meeting before the March 11 deadline to approve expansion and then elect staggered seats, or include a warrant article at the regular June town meeting. Proponents said recent absences and health issues underscore the need for five members now; opponents cautioned that winter special meetings can draw low turnout and that the warrant and term lengths must be spelled out.
A motion to "approve Sandre's idea to as quickly as possible shift to a five member" board was made and seconded; the board voted to carry the motion. Members discussed nomination timing, paperwork deadlines (papers must be filed within statutory windows), and logistics for staggered terms. One board member noted the need to watch for procedural risks with a larger board, saying that with five members "any two members can converse" and that creates both the risk of informal bloc-building and the benefit of subcommittees for research.
On scheduling, members discussed March dates and counted back statutory deadlines tied to the election calendar; March 10 was suggested as a likely special-meeting date if the board proceeds quickly, but members did not record a final, binding date or a published warrant in the transcript.
What happens next: if the board pursues a special meeting, it must complete a warrant that specifies term lengths and nomination procedures; board members said they will reach out to prospective candidates and coordinate warrant language and posting.
