MONTAGUE — The Selectboard discussed the prospect of hiring an assistant town administrator during its meeting Monday evening, but refrained from making any decisions before weighing the financial feasibility.
The conversation was initiated by Town Administrator Steve Ellis. In his proposal to the Selectboard, Ellis said his support for the idea is primarily centered around increasing the town’s efficiency and revenue. He observed that the responsibilities expected of town staff are excessively intensive.
“We are running too often at the ragged edge,” he said.
Rather than frame it as an issue of fatigue for town employees, Ellis emphasized the notion that excessive workloads impede the staff’s efficiency.
“This is not about doing less work,” Ellis said. “It’s about accomplishing more.”
Selectboard Vice Chair Michael Nelson agreed, suggesting that being short-staffed limits the amount of financially lucrative opportunities that the town could otherwise be involved with.
“We are continuously missing out on money because we don’t have the time or opportunity to (make it),” Nelson said.
The Selectboard and meeting attendees agreed, but also collectively recognized the potential for financial burden surrounding such a hire. The board’s primary concern is that the cost to hire someone might outweigh the significance of the revenue that would be generated through the additional position.
“I think we all see the benefits, but there definitely is a cost and a balance in making sure we can afford these positions long-term,” Selectboard Chair Richard Kuklewicz said. “As I’ve said before with other positions, it’s not just the cost of the position; it’s all of the other pieces that go along with it.”
Board members agreed that if they were to add a new position, they would want it to be a serious commitment for whoever serves, acknowledging the importance of having a consistent presence on the job.
“Should we have an issue where one or the other is out on an extended leave — personal, medical or whatever — we have had quite a void in the past and it’s been very difficult to maintain,” Kuklewicz said.
He also emphasized that the town “would want to have long-term people in these positions,” to which Ellis agreed.
“There’s absolutely a succession-planning element to this,” Ellis said.
The Selectboard concluded deliberation by agreeing to discuss the matter further once more research had been conducted regarding financial feasibility. Ellis remains confident that hiring an assistant town administrator would be a move in line with what has enabled Montague’s success in the past.
“I make this as my best recommendation at this point in time,” Ellis said. “We have a town with great staff. There’s a reason why Montague has enjoyed such a renaissance. It’s because we put in the work, quite honestly.”
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.
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