Building commissioner raises staffing, pay and vehicle concerns during departmental budget review

The Building Commissioner spoke to the board about his departmental budget and job conditions. He said staffing exists for inspection coverage — other inspectors back up his duties and receive pay from the permitting revolving fund — but that he has not received a step increase in several years and has relied on cost‑of‑living adjustments (COLAs) only. He asked the Select Board to review his pay grade and step history before his upcoming advisory committee meeting in late February.

The commissioner also raised a practical question about a town vehicle. He said he routinely uses his personal truck and receives mileage reimbursement; the board discussed that buying or assigning a town vehicle would introduce upkeep, insurance and fueling costs and that either approach has tradeoffs. Select Board members asked staff to examine the commissioner’s personnel file and pay history and to prepare a recommendation for advisory and board consideration. The board told the commissioner they would help prepare background information ahead of his advisory presentation.

No formal personnel action was taken at the meeting; board members said they would discuss a potential grade review and step adjustment with the town administrator and advisory board.