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Selectmen table update to town personnel manual after heated debate over political-activity rules
Summary
The board paused approval of a rewritten personnel manual after extensive debate on proposed limits to partisan buttons and 'excessive' political discussion at work. Labor counsel and town attorneys reviewed the draft; members asked for more examples from peer towns and additional counsel review before proceeding.
Staff brought a consolidated personnel policy manual to the board on June 1, saying the update folds decades of scattered rules into a single modern document and incorporates labor counsel review. The proposed manual updates definitions (including a 30‑hour threshold tied to state law for benefits), disciplinary procedures and clarifications about conflicts with collective bargaining agreements.
A major point of contention was a new paragraph that would prohibit "excessive personal discussion" and the wearing of partisan political buttons, hats or shirts while working. Several Selectmen argued the rule was a reasonable way to keep municipal workplaces non‑partisan and to avoid perceived coercion when a supervisor is campaigning; others said the restriction was too broad and risked chilling employees’ free speech.
Town counsel and labor council were cited as having reviewed the document; board members asked staff to gather sample language and peer‑town policies. Because the board was divided and several members requested more time to compare practices elsewhere, a motion to table the item passed. The board directed staff to return after collecting counsel opinions and examples from other municipalities.
No disciplinary changes took immediate effect; the current policies and collective bargaining agreements remain in force until the board takes further action.
