NORTHFIELD — The Selectboard voted Tuesday to allocate $260,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money toward hiring an economic development planner.
Considering the notion that Northfield’s downtown needs revitalization, the ARPA Advisory Committee “thought it was worth the investment,” according to Town Administrator Andrea Llamas.
The job description for the position describes someone who “provides professional management and administrative functions for economic development and planning,” with responsibilities including facilitating economic development, reviewing land-related bylaws and communicating with the public. The allotted $260,000 would fully fund the position and be stretched over a three-year contract, accounting for a $65,000 salary that increases by $2,500 each year, as well as health insurance and matching taxes.
“It’s a very needed position and we’re asking for a lot of experience and a lot of education and a lot of skills,” Llamas said Tuesday evening.
The Selectboard acknowledged that downtown Northfield is insufficient in terms of providing recreational, dining and business experiences for residents and visitors.
“I do see a need for this because our plans to attract businesses, I don’t see any confidence in them,” said Selectboard Clerk Bernard “Bernie” Boudreau.
Uses for ARPA funding must be decided by Dec. 31, 2024, according to Llamas. Before the board agreed to approve the spending and begin the hiring process, Vice Chair Heath Cummings expressed hesitation in making such a decision without first exploring other spending options.
“Are we missing an opportunity to get something else done and what would that be? I don’t know,” he said.
Member Mary Bowen, however, voiced a sense of urgency in regards to the Selectboard’s ability to take action, looking to seize the option as a way of “moving forward, finally, instead of just talking about it.”
“For me,” Bowen said, “the opportunity is in front of me for the first time to get this ball rolling.”
Following a unanimous vote, Llamas concluded Tuesday’s discussion by saying she would begin advertising the position and writing up a contract the following day.
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.