(UPDATE: The Town realized that with the hiring of the new clerk that the Town should open the offices on Friday. The new clerk will work Fridays and have Mondays off. I don’t think it was my vote against the budget that convinced the Town to open the offices on Friday. Irrespective of the reason, I am pleased that the Mayor and Town are doing the right thing to provide better services to our residents! )
Original Post follows:
Tonight’s meeting includes the budget hearing and decision on the budget. The budget is the most important task the council does as it is the blueprint for the year of how the Town will spend your tax money. But it typically is the least commented on agenda item by the public. Tonight’s budget includes money to hire a part time clerk (deputy clerk). The Town is growing and needs the addition of another clerk to alleviate the workload. Albeit the growth is in commercial and not residential. The issue I have with hiring an additional clerk is the reluctance expressed at the work meeting to now have the town office open on Fridays because of additional staffing. Being open on Fridays for business is an essential service needed for our residents, and yes development also. We saw this need recently with candidates needing to file their cadency declarations and in the previous appeal of the Weeping Buffalo CUP. Although we need the additional clerk, I will likely vote no to the budget if there are no assurances that the Town offices aren’t open on Friday for several hours.