Town Hall Reorganization

A reorganization plan completed at the Select Board meeting last night aims to open Town Hall to the public for more than its current two days per week.

After talking extensively to town employees over the last few weeks, town administrative offices liaison Norm Russell presented a plan that separates the Town Administrator, Town Clerk, and Town Treasurer’s positions, all currently held by one person. Russell explained that, if the town can hire a new clerk at a lower hourly rate, that would free up funds to expand the hours of other employees, allowing Town Hall to be open more days of the week.

Russell also said that they hope to find a candidate with computer experience, since part of the clerk’s duties is to be keeper of public records, a position that today requires familiarity with computers. Until a new Town Clerk is found, the Assistant Town Clerk will fulfill the clerk’s duties.

Russell’s plan will couple the position of Town Treasurer and Town Collector. The current Treasurer will become Assistant Treasurer, so someone will be available to generate payroll when the Treasurer is on vacation.

After discussion, Chair Dave DeHerdt summed up next year’s proposed appointments as follows:

Town Administrator/Assistant Treasurer: Maryellen Cranston
Town Clerk: vacant
Town Collector/Treasurer: Laura Blakesley
Assistant Town Clerk: Nancy Dunne and Maryellen Cranston

All appointments are for one-year terms. Appointments are expected to be made at tonight’s Select Board meeting, following the 7 p.m. Special Town Meeting at Sanderson Academy.

David King