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Selectboard authorizes $275 annual Tree Warden stipend and discusses jurisdictional limits
Summary
The Selectboard approved a $275 annual stipend for the Tree Warden effective April 6, 2026, to create a record for Workers' Compensation audits and recognition; staff also discussed which trees fall under Tree Warden authority vs. Selectboard jurisdiction.
Town Administrator Nicola Shipman described the Tree Warden role and explained when that appointee is covered by Town insurance and Workers' Compensation. She recommended the board authorize a $275 annual stipend for the Tree Warden to create a clear record for audits and to recognize the role. Nicola also suggested considering a position to help the Highway Department identify dead or hazardous trees within the Town Highway right-of-way, which falls under the Selectboard's authority rather than the Tree Warden's under statute.
The Selectboard approved the $275 annual stipend effective April 6, 2026, to be paid from the General Fund, and asked Finance staff to include the stipend in the budget and next payroll. The board did not create a new staff position at this meeting but discussed future needs for identifying public-hazard trees in rights-of-way.
