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Select Board reviews draft on‑call pay and proposes uniform stipend for public works staff
Summary
The board reviewed draft policies on on‑call compensation (proposal to raise stipend to $200) and a draft uniform supply policy (proposal to replace weekly Unifirst service with an annual stipend of about $500–$600); staff will finalize language and place both on the next consent agenda for adoption if acceptable.
Public works leadership presented two draft policies for board review: an on‑call compensation policy (O5‑1) and a uniform supply policy (O5‑2). For on‑call compensation, staff recommended raising the stipend from the town’s current $125 to $200 per on‑call period to better align with nearby towns (Plymouth had a $250 comparator) and estimated the change would cost roughly $1,950 per affected department annually. The duties to be performed while on call would remain the same; staff recommended referencing the town’s standard operating procedures in the on‑call policy to avoid duplicating inspection checklists.
For uniforms, staff proposed moving away from a weekly rental/service model (Unifirst) to an annual stipend (staff discussed a $500 allotment per person administered through the office manager). Presenters said the town could reduce recurring monthly service fees (currently roughly $600/month for Unifirst and related fees) and give employees flexibility to choose work pants and insulated garments while still purchasing shirts, jackets and safety boots centrally.
Board direction and timeline: Members asked staff to prepare final, consolidated policy language and cost estimates for inclusion on the next meeting’s consent agenda so the board can adopt the policies with minimal delay. No formal vote occurred on policy adoption at this meeting.
