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Hardwick board weighs creating an economic‑development coordinator role, defers to budget season
Summary
The board discussed converting the open community development coordinator role into a part‑ or full‑time economic development coordinator position with expanded housing and business responsibilities, but deferred a final staffing decision until the budget process and additional staff input.
The Hardwick Select Board on June 18 reviewed a proposed job description to shift the town’s community development coordinator duties toward a broader economic development coordinator role that would include business outreach, housing work, and grant administration.
Select Board member Sherry, who led the effort to assemble the draft, said the role could help the town pursue opportunities and coordinate downtown and housing initiatives. “I’m anxious to continue to have someone in this position,” she said, summarizing outreach to other downtowns and noting the job blends past CDC duties with additional economic development tasks.
Members weighed timing and budget constraints. Town Manager David Utson and others cautioned that the current FY27 budget does not support a new full‑time salary; several members recommended posting a part‑time CDC position (the existing line in the budget) while using the budget cycle to consider whether to scale to full time. The board discussed using consultant funding if a dedicated position is not filled and exploring possible outside grant opportunities though staff said a specific USDA grant mentioned during the meeting could not be located immediately.
There was wide agreement to refine the duties, seek staff input, and revisit the issue before finalizing next year’s budget. The board set a plan to return this item at its August meeting to allow staff and members to define tasks, discuss reorganization of responsibilities (public works vs. economic development), and identify funding options.
Next steps include further staff input and a follow‑up discussion at the August 1 meeting to determine recruitment approach and budget options.
