The Hudson Budget Committee heard from Selectman Liaison, Heidi Jakoby, during its Oct. 2 meeting on the Town Hall assessment report.
“My hope is that when we look at what the assessment recommendations are, to then have a discussion around what next steps would be good,” she said. “I think the Board of Selectmen will have to make use of that report in some manner.”
The assessment cost $42,000 and is expected to form the basis of a long-term plan for how renovations and repairs might go for Hudson’s Town Hall building. The document is up on the town website.
“On this assessment, when you have it in your discussion amongst yourselves as Selectmen, if you approve, what does that mean? Are you guys going to go ahead and do the assessment?” asked Committee member, Randy Brownrigg. “Are you going to going to go ahead and do the repairs of Town Hall?”
Jakoby clarified that the assessment was only to make recommendations, with use and accessibility as a focus. Any funds for a renovation would likely need to be approved in a warrant article.
The Liaison also touched on the status of hiring a new IT Director for the town.
“The deadline for applications if Oct. 14, and we did contract with Municipal Resources Inc. (MRI) just to assist with advertising and getting the word out for those applicants,” explained Jakoby.
It was not the first time Hudson has contracted with the MRI to fill vacant job openings.
“Any thoughts with regard to hiring internally?” asked Committee Chair, Bill Cole.
He was informed that at least one internal candidate expressed interest in the Information Technology Director position.
The hiring process for a new Town Administrator was still in limbo after no qualified candidates were found in the first round of interviews.
“My understanding is your salary parameters have changed. What were we at and what are we at?” asked Committee member, Shawan Jasper.
The change came from the high end of the salary range, which rose from $150,000 to around $170,000 based on a recommendation from MRI.
The hiring process for a new Town Planner also remained stalled. While there had been two promising candidates, one took a job in another town, and the other dropped out without explanation.
“They are continuing that process,” said Jakoby, referring to the Board of Selectmen. “They are continuing to advertise and trying to get word out to seek new applicants.”
Unlike the other two positions, the Selectmen elected not to hire an outside firm like MRI to help fill the Town Planner role. Cole raised the possibility of elevating the Assistant Town Planner to Acting Town Planner instead of continuing to use the Nashua Regional Planning Commission.
“We need some stability here,” said Cole.
The Hudson Zoning Board is scheduled to meet again on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. in the Buxton Meeting Room at Town Hall.