Townsend Finance Committee approves exception to hiring review for highway heavy‑equipment operator

The Townsend Finance Committee voted unanimously to recommend an exception to the town’s hiring review so the highway department can hire one heavy equipment operator funded in the FY27 budget. The committee met at 6:02 p.m. and moved the item earlier on the agenda so the highway representative participating by phone could speak.

Committee members and staff framed the hiring as an operational need: Kieran, who introduced the department’s case, said the highway crew is short‑staffed and the addition would reduce overtime and reliance on private contractors for plowing and other work. “Our highway department’s been incredibly busy,” Kieran said, noting the position was included in the budget approved at town meeting and that the payroll and benefits lines have capacity starting July 1.

Members asked whether posting the position could be delayed into late summer to save a few weeks of payroll, but the presenter and other participants said onboarding typically takes 30–45 days and the department needs the coverage. After discussion, a motion to approve the exception was made, seconded and supported unanimously; the committee agreed to notify the Select Board of the recommendation, either by email or by placing the matter on the Select Board agenda.

The committee did not record a roll‑call tally naming each yes vote in the transcript; minutes record the outcome as a unanimous recommendation. The committee scheduled follow‑up coordination with the Select Board and the highway department on next steps and posting timing.