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Council weighs keeping administrator/clerk model rather than hiring a separate town manager
Summary
Council members discussed the possibility of a governance change that would create a town manager role but generally favored retaining a multi-hat staffing approach (administrator/clerk) to control salary and benefits costs; staff will budget conservatively unless the council directs otherwise.
Administrator Charity Canfield asked the council whether it wanted staff to budget for a separate town-manager recruitment process in the event governance changes occur. Several council members said they prefer the current model, where staff "wear multiple hats" as a cost-saving measure; one councilor said splitting the role into two positions would increase salary and benefits costs considerably.
Canfield said she will adhere to whatever direction the council gives and recommended a conservative approach to salary and benefits changes even if governance reforms pass. She warned the council that transitions would require administrative work to ensure continuity and said she would not recommend substantial changes to current salaries and benefits during a transition period.
