Select Board approves HR manager post, withdraws from state climate grant
Select Board creates HR manager position and withdraws from state climate grant. Chair Wendy Reed and Members Christopher Wile and Barry Fogel unanimously approved the Human Resources Manager job description and pay grade, redirecting funding from a budgeted Programs and Projects Manager role and
Select Board · Meeting of January 15, 2026
WEST NEWBURY — Select Board creates HR manager position and withdraws from state climate grant. Chair Wendy Reed and Members Christopher Wile and Barry Fogel unanimously approved the Human Resources Manager job description and pay grade, redirecting funding from a budgeted Programs and Projects Manager role and authorizing the town to post the vacancy. Town Manager Angus Jennings cited insufficient staffing to execute the River Road Resiliency Planning Project, prompting the board's unanimous withdrawal from the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness grant; the $60,000 appropriated as local match returns to the general fund.
The board also unanimously adopted a new land acquisition policy requiring initial contact with the Town Manager and ensured Chief Procurement Officer authority over Library Facilities Plan designer selection, with results anticipated by Fall 2026.
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Source: the Select Board meeting of January 15, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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