Farmington board expands Town Administrator spending authority, lists four full‑time openings

Selectmen on May 18 voted to adjust the Town Administrator’s spending limit and reviewed current staffing needs across departments.

Vice Chairman Doug Staples moved (second Ann Titus) to allow the Town Administrator to spend up to $5,000 and up to $10,000 with direction from the chair; the motion passed 3‑0‑1 with Chairman Charlie King recorded as abstaining. "What they did with Ken worked pretty well $5,000 you can go up to $10,000 with calling and talking with the Chair," Staples said during the discussion.

HR/Welfare Director Erica Dickie‑Yelle confirmed the town currently has several full‑time vacancies: a full‑time Land Use Assistant (Planning & Building), at least one Highway truck driver/laborer, a Water/Wastewater Operator (enterprise fund position) and a full‑time Transfer Station attendant. Dickie‑Yelle said applications are accepted at the town office and online; the town advertises openings on the municipal website, Facebook, NHMA and Indeed and may sponsor postings if initial response is limited.

A resident, Felicia McCowan, asked whether the openings were paid positions and whether trade qualifications were required; King and Dickie‑Yelle said the roles are paid and that some certifications can be obtained after hiring for certain positions (for example, operator certification and Transfer Station training). Henry said the Water position has been posted for about a year.

Next steps: HR will continue active recruitment, complete scheduled interviews for Land Use, and report back to the board on applicant progress.