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Blandford boards move to expand water superintendent role, propose $80,000–$100,000 salary range
Summary
The Blandford Select Board and Water Commissioners agreed Aug. 4 to revise the Water Superintendent job description toward a 40‑hour position and recommend a salary range of $80,000–$100,000; no formal vote was recorded and funding options include reallocating existing budget lines or seeking Special Town Meeting approval.
Blandford, Massachusetts — The Blandford Select Board and Water Commissioners on Aug. 4 agreed to revise the town’s Water Superintendent job description to support a 40‑hour position and to list a salary range of $80,000 to $100,000 to attract candidates.
Select Board Chair Cara Letendre questioned language in the draft that read “up to 21 hours,” asking whether the Water Department could afford a full‑time superintendent. Water Commissioner M. Keier said he had proposed a minimum of 21 hours but the draft currently says “up to 21 hours” to allow flexibility for emergencies; he also said a full‑time superintendent would be desirable if the town could afford it. Select Board member J. Coury presented market research showing comparable wages between $80,000 and $100,000, and Keier said that range may be high for small towns.
Letendre noted the Water Department line currently budgeted for this part‑time position is $42,250 and suggested either reallocating funds from another account or asking voters at a Special Town Meeting to approve additional funding. The board discussed packaging the superintendent duties with the licensed primary operator responsibilities: Water Commissioner P. Thayer said the superintendent should also serve as the primary operator because the treatment‑plant license is held by that role.
Cara Letendre proposed consolidating the superintendent and primary operator duties into one 40‑hour position. Keier reviewed the draft job description and said it ‘‘covers everything’’ but reiterated that the commission must still ensure the primary operator is paid and licensed. The boards agreed to list the 40‑hour structure and $80,000–$100,000 salary range in the draft to increase hiring interest; the Water Commissioners will conduct initial interviews and bring final candidate(s) to the Select Board. Town Administrator C. Ferrera was asked to update the document and share it with both boards.
There were no public comments. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
