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Select Board debates hiring a community/economic development specialist versus a grant writer while considering revenue options
Summary
Board discussed whether to hire a part‑time/full‑time community/economic development specialist (CEDS), a grant writer, or an assistant to the town administrator, and weighed town-revenue options including local-option taxes, leasing land for cell/solar, and reappraisals; no hiring decision was made and members asked staff to return with refined job language and a prioritization plan.
Board members spent a lengthy portion of the meeting discussing town revenue strategies and the proposed community/economic development specialist (CEDS) job description. Options discussed included hiring a dedicated CEDS (24–40 hours with benefits), hiring a grant writer on an as‑needed basis, empowering existing staff, or creating an assistant-to-town-administrator role to handle administrative workload while pursuing economic development goals.
Members debated whether the first priority should be a five‑year plan or immediate grant-writing capacity; some argued for a planner to produce a long-term vision and for the CEDS to execute it, while others favored a grant writer who could produce near-term revenue. The board asked for a clearer job description and for three board members to coalesce on recommended changes so the position can be refined for a future vote.
Why this matters: the outcome will shape how the town pursues grants, builds shovel-ready projects, and implements strategic economic development to increase the grand list and generate revenues.
