Among concerns were days off, loss of benefits and the chain of command.
By Cora C. Briggs
Special to the Sun Journal

LIVERMORE FALLS – The office staff raised several concerns as they discussed the new personnel policy with selectmen Monday night.

Covered by the policy are the town’s non-union employees, town manager, office staff, sewer superintendent, code enforcement officer, grounds care maintenance and transfer station attendant.

Of major concern were choice days, which had been in the holiday list in the Nov. 15, 1999, policy but were taken out since two more holidays, Martin Luther King Jr. and Patriot’s days, were included, bringing the number to that of union employees.

However, highway employees have the chance to earn two bonus days if they have no sick days or accidents.

“We’ve had them as past practice for so long,” sewer clerk Faith Nichols said. “It’s not an issue of money, you’ll be paying us whether we’re working or not.”

Other concerns were the possibility of losing benefits if they were cut back to 32 hours. Selectmen assured them they would still be eligible.

Nichols also complained about not being included in drawing up the policy, noting that everyone should be involved.

Clerk/Treasurer Kristal Flagg spoke about the number of policies adopted in recent years.

“Every time we get a new town manager, we get a new policy. That’s kinda scary,” she said. “After all, you’re dealing with people who’ve worked for the town for 15 years or better.”

Also of concern was lack of a chain of command that would give them someone to complain to above the town manager, in case he was the problem.

Selectman agreed to table the issue for further consultation with the staff.

In other business, the board agreed to increase the fee for disposing of tires at the landfill from $1.70 to $2, just for car tires under 20 inches as all others go to Jay.

Sewer Superintendent Kent Mitchell reported he was unable to devise a simple system that would cover all commercial establishments for unit charges. He suggested the present system be retained and specific adjustments be made on an individual basis.

“We should leave it alone rather than making it too complex. If we keep monkeying with it, businesses are going to be hurt. We don’t want to charge too much,” he said.

A dog warrant was signed listing 57 dogs that have not been licensed, a quit claim deed was signed for Christine LaPointe and the fire chief said the chimney on the former Tire Barn does not comply with regulations.

Approval was given to the Skate Park Committee to hire a design consultant for $2,500 from the grant. It also was noted that repairs to the municipal building roof will be only $300, rather than the thousands previously estimated.

Two $1,000 donations were reported, an anonymous one to the police department and one to the town from Child Evangelism Fellowship in lieu of taxes.