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Board tables emergency-authority resolution to seek attorney guidance
Summary
The Select Board debated a resolution authorizing the chair (or vice chair in their absence) to take action in emergencies between meetings; members pressed for clearer limits and dollar thresholds and the board voted to consult the town attorney and table the item.
A proposed resolution that would authorize the select board chair (and, in the chair's absence, the vice chair) to take action in emergency situations between meetings drew detailed discussion and was tabled for legal language refinements. The chair explained the intent "if there is a situation where there is a storm coming up and we want to operate... to take the truck home for whatever reason, to be ready for the storm, then we can do that in between a meeting." Members urged the board to clarify the kinds of actions covered and whether spending limits or other safeguards should be written into the resolution.
One board member asked if the authority could be misused and recommended adding a dollar threshold for urgent spending; others suggested limiting the authorization to life-safety or immediate property-protection actions. The board agreed unanimously to contact the town attorney for recommended language and to table final action until that legal guidance is provided.
