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Board debates whether to fund full-time economic development position; keeps part-time role for now
Summary
Members discussed converting a proposed part-time economic development specialist into a full-time role, including a $60,000 proposal to create a ceiling for recruitment. Board members cited concerns about ROI and near-term revenue constraints and agreed to monitor the commission and revisit staffing as needed; Planning & Zoning budget was later adopted at $699,654.
The town's Planning & Zoning budget hearing turned into an extended discussion about whether to fund a full-time economic development position or to start with a part-time specialist assigned under the planning budget. One board member proposed adding a $60,000 allocation (as a ceiling) to enable recruitment of a full-time economic development director; the offer was presented as flexible — "it just means it's there," the supporter said — but prompted pushback on timing and cost.
Opponents said the town is facing revenue pressures and that priorities this year include hiring building officials to handle a heavy permitting load. Board members repeatedly favored a "walk before you run" approach: keep the part-time specialist under Planning & Zoning for now, let the Economic Development Commission build capacity, and revisit a full-time hire when demand and demonstrated results justify an appropriation. The Planning & Zoning FY27 budget of $699,654 was subsequently approved by voice vote.
