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Board moves to establish part‑time communications role and new website to improve public outreach
Summary
Staff told the board they plan to hire a part‑time communications staffer (roughly $50,000/year, 20–22 hours/week) and relaunch the town website; the new hire will produce a multimedia communications plan for board review in early fall.
At the June 29 workshop the Select Board reviewed a proposed communications staffing and digital strategy to improve the town’s outreach and transparency.
Staff described a part‑time communications position budgeted at about $50,000 per year for 20–22 hours per week. The role is intended to provide day‑to‑day communications, coordinate with cable access and the Hamilton News, manage social media and support boards and departments in proactive messaging. Staff said applicants are being reviewed and that the new hire’s first tasks would include developing a multimedia communications plan and drafting website content templates for the board’s review in September.
The town will also roll out a redesigned website. Staff said the communications hire will be supported by a consultant to set templates and strategies in the initial months. The board noted that current town messaging has been largely reactionary and that proactive, accessible digital records and a clear “digital ecosystem” will help residents find capital plans, policies and program information.
Board members said they want early “quick wins” to show value for the investment and asked staff to produce a reviewable communications plan in early fall. The board also discussed retaining existing contributors (a part‑time contractor who holds social‑media passwords) during the transition.
