Selectboard signs interim MRI payroll contract, accepts Paycor quote and appoints seasonal Wisco Island attendant

The selectboard voted to execute an interim payroll contract with MRI to maintain service while the town finalizes a new vendor, then accepted a lower-cost Paycor/Partners quote and authorized staff to transition payroll services.

Board members said MRI offered an interim month-to-month contract and that the town can terminate with 30 days’ written notice. One member moved to sign the interim MRI contract so operations would not lapse; the motion was seconded and approved.

The board then compared vendor quotes. In discussion, Bangor Savings Bank's payroll offering was quoted during the meeting as $14,700 yearly; a Paycor/Partners quote was presented as lower-cost in the board’s comparison. After deliberation, a motion to accept the Paycor/Partners quote and transition to that vendor as soon as possible was moved, seconded and approved.

Separately, the board addressed a hiring recommendation for the Wisco Island attendant. Interviewers reported one reliable applicant; members decided to offer the seasonal position for the remainder of the season (discussion mentioned concluding the appointment around Columbus Day). The motion to appoint the interviewed candidate passed.

Why it matters: Payroll vendor choice affects recurring municipal expenditures and the administrative burden of onboarding payroll services; appointing the seasonal attendant fills a public-facing role for island access and safety.

Numbers mentioned in the transcript were inconsistent in places; the board discussed quoted annual and monthly figures but did not adopt a detailed budget worksheet in the meeting. Staff were asked to finalize contract terms, notify vendors and proceed with the seasonal hire.