The Essex Board of Selectmen convened on March 24, 2025, to discuss critical updates affecting the town's wage and salary scale, as well as preparations for the upcoming annual town meeting. A significant decision made during the meeting was the approval of a 2% cost-of-living increase for the current wage and salary scale, aimed at addressing the needs of various town departments, particularly emergency services.

The board recognized the necessity of competitive wages to attract and retain essential personnel, especially firefighters and EMTs. A new tiered wage structure was proposed, with starting salaries set at $25 per hour for new firefighters without certifications, escalating to $32 per hour for those with both EMT and firefighter training. This adjustment reflects the town's commitment to ensuring that emergency responders are adequately compensated for their critical roles.

Additionally, the board discussed the town clerk's salary, proposing an increase from a range of $70,000 to $90,000 to enhance recruitment and retention efforts for this vital position. The Council on Aging also submitted a request for wage adjustments, but the board opted for a straightforward 2% increase, emphasizing the importance of maintaining budgetary consistency.

In preparation for the annual town meeting, the board approved the addition of late-breaking articles to the meeting warrant, bringing the total to 43 articles. The warrant was officially closed and approved, ensuring that all necessary items would be presented to the community for discussion and voting.

The meeting concluded with a recommendation to include a provision for long-serving firefighters, allowing those with at least 15 years of service to qualify for the highest pay tier, regardless of their certifications. This decision aims to recognize the experience and dedication of long-term employees while maintaining a fair compensation structure.

As Essex moves forward, these decisions reflect the board's ongoing commitment to supporting its workforce and ensuring the town's essential services remain robust and effective. The next steps will involve presenting these proposals to the community during the upcoming town meeting, where residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinions and vote on these important matters.