The Oct. 1 meeting of the Hudson Budget Committee opened with disappointing news regarding efforts to fill a vacant seat following a sudden resignation last month.
“We authorized the town to advertise for that position, but I’m sad to report that, as of today, we have zero applicants,” said Committee Chair James Lawrence. “At this point in time, I’d say we’re kind of up against the wire here – we’re getting ready to start the heavy lifting of the Budget Committee.”
With a packed November ahead, including budget presentations from both town and school district officials, the committee had hoped to fill the vacancy within a few weeks.
“I don’t have a problem with re-advertising, but clearly we would have to have somebody we could interview by our next meeting, although even that wouldn’t be ideal,” said Committee member Shawn Jasper. “I certainly am open to just leaving the position vacant until the election.”
Most members agreed that while they would prefer to fill the empty seat, it would be difficult to find a qualified candidate on such short notice, especially with budget season approaching.
“I did put something out on the Facebook residence page of Hudson – there’s actually two – just to encourage people to consider that, but obviously there’s been no response,” added Committee member Kevin Walsh. “I agree with Mr. Jasper; we are kind of up against the wall now and we’re going to be busy with this, and I think, as we have in the past, maybe just leave it vacant.”
Walsh expressed confidence that the committee could still manage its responsibilities effectively, even with one fewer member.
“Do we have to vote on it to leave it vacant, or do we just leave it vacant?” asked Committee member Randy Brownrigg.
He was informed that a formal motion was not required, though the committee still opted to make the decision official. Members unanimously voted to leave the vacancy open until the March election.
In other business, the committee received updates on several infrastructure projects.
“At Autumn Circle, one of the new streets that was recently constructed, the contractor ran into some problems,” reported Selectman Dave Morin. “This is something that we usually do not do, but due to the circumstances, the contractor is going to use some of the bond money that has to be put down for a construction project, and they’re going to hire people in town or from the surrounding towns to finish this project.”
Morin also reported that contractors for the ongoing Belknap Road extension were requesting “another $47,000 out of the impact fees” to purchase land needed to make the long-awaited extension a reality.
Additional infrastructure updates included construction at the T-BONES restaurant on Lowell Road and work near the entrance of the nearby Walmart, which involved minor sewer and water pipe improvements.
As all roadwork utilized previously approved or available funding sources, there were no major questions from the Budget Committee.
The Budget Committee is set for Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. in the Buxton Meeting Room at Town Hall.
