HEATH — A little over three months into her tenure as town coordinator, the Selectboard gave Mia Francesconi a good review and a $1 raise.
Francesconi began working in Heath with former Town Coordinator Hilma Sumner on Dec. 8 and took over the role in January after Sumner retired. This week, Selectboard members said that while Francesconi has more to learn, she has done a good job so far. They voted unanimously to increase her pay to $36.10 per hour as she ends her probationary period.
“I think you’re going a great job. … Is everything perfect? Nope. Will everything be perfect for the next five years? Nope,” Selectboard Chair Robyn Provost-Carlson told Francesconi. “But we’re getting there, little by little, and I greatly appreciate the work you’re doing.”
Provost-Carlson said Francesconi has been great about acknowledging when she does not know something and seeking out the information. Board members added that she has a strong work ethic and tackles every project quickly.
“I’m completely blown away with how you came into this town as if you had already been here for 20 years,” Selectboard member Elissa Viarengo said. “The way you were so at ease with everyone, you’re so comfortable, you’re just one of the gang. I really admire your character and your confidence, and how you fit in and took everything with honesty, integrity and you have an amazing work ethic.”
Going forward, Selectboard members said Francesconi should work on prioritization, reviewing what requests and messages need an immediate response and what can wait.
Francesconi said she was thankful that the Selectboard and other town staff and board members have always responded to her questions, and she is content to continue learning as she goes. She added that at some point, she would like to take the chief procurement officer training and become certified.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Francesconi said.
Selectboard members said the $1,500 training would be beneficial, and they would look into which accounts they could use to fund it.
The town is also looking to hire two part-time positions to assist Francesconi and the other town departments and boards: a five-hour-per-week boards clerk and a 10-hour-per-week office assistant. The town is still working on crafting the job descriptions.