Planning board defers visioning phase, hears town manager’s level‑staffing budget recommendation

The board agreed to delay the next phase of the town master plan until the fall to allow time for staffing transitions and an organizational assessment, and it discussed the town manager’s recommendation to keep FY27 at level staffing with an assumed 2% cost‑of‑living adjustment.

Planning staff and board members said the timing would give the town time to complete an organizational assessment being procured by the select board and to preserve funding already authorized through June 30, 2027. "Our vision is to defer it to the fall ... so we'll be able to give it its due," the chair said.

Town manager Angus Jennings reviewed the budget context and recommended carrying a level staffing budget that preserves the existing planner position (28 hours) and part of the land-and-building services administrator until the organizational review is completed. He said the approach preserves options while the select board completes a consultant assessment of town staffing.

The board also discussed the recent planner resignation and scheduled a follow‑up meeting (planned for March 24) to consider interim coverage options, including MVPC assistance and short‑term contractors.

Action taken: The board voted unanimously to defer the master‑plan visioning to the fall and to support the approach of preserving staffing options during the organizational review. A special meeting was scheduled to discuss near‑term staffing.

Next steps: The select board will continue the organizational assessment and the planning board will reconvene this item in the fall; staff will post the March 24 meeting to consider interim coverage.