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Chester selectboard hears staffing, budget and landfill testing updates; RFP posting delayed
Summary
The board heard that four applicants applied for the Accountant position, the Town Hall Expenses account is fully expended (potential transfer forthcoming), and DEP may allow reduced testing at the wood‑waste landfill; an RFP for the Old Elementary School was delayed by a PVPC administrative issue.
At its Jan. 12 meeting the Chester Board of Selectmen reviewed several operational and administrative items: staffing, budget status, environmental compliance and procurement timing.
Town Administrator Andrew Alward said four applications have been received for the Accountant position and interviews will be scheduled with the screening committee. He also reported that the Town Hall Expenses account has been fully expended and that a transfer request with the Finance Team may be required. Selectboard member Craig Gauthier said he spoke with the Department of Environmental Protection about the local wood‑waste landfill; DEP indicated it would consider reducing certain required testing from annual to biennial to reduce costs, and vegetation cleanup requirements were discussed.
During public comment Rich Holzman asked about the RFP for the Old Elementary School. Alward said posting was delayed by an administrative issue on PVPC’s end and is expected by the end of the month. The meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
Why it matters: hiring an Accountant and addressing budget shortfalls are immediate municipal priorities; potential changes to landfill testing frequency could lower long‑term monitoring costs. The RFP delay affects timeline for reuse or sale of the Old Elementary School property.
Next steps: the screening committee will schedule interviews, Finance Team will evaluate a transfer request if needed, and PVPC will post the RFP when administrative issues are resolved.
