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Selectboard punts decision on CEDS hours after robust debate over full‑time need
Summary
Members debated whether the Community & Economic Development Specialist position should be 24 or 40 hours per week; advocates said full‑time staffing is needed to capture time‑sensitive grants, while others favored a phased approach or in‑house trial. A motion to approve 40 hours failed for lack of a second.
Selectboard members spent substantial time on March 19 debating whether to make the Community & Economic Development Specialist (CEDS) position a 40‑hour role rather than the 24‑hour position previously budgeted. One board member argued that grant deadlines and outreach require a full‑time person who can respond to RFPs and stakeholder meetings, while others stressed budget impacts and expressed willingness to test an expanded role incrementally.
Adrian (identified in the meeting) urged a full‑time position, saying, “I just I don't believe you can do grant work part time...one missed grant could cost a ton more than the salary difference.” Opponents noted the board had previously budgeted 24 hours and asked for more time to consider salary and tax‑rate impacts. Because a motion to approve the job description with 40 hours received no second, the board did not change the hours and asked staff to return with refined job descriptions and fiscal impact figures for a future meeting.
