The Rochester Board of Selectmen and the Board of Assessors met on the evening of Tuesday, April 17, to discuss the possibility of adding a part-time “floating” position in Town Hall to assist with various different departments. While the idea was entertained for an hour or so, no progress was made.
Jana Cavanaugh and John Mello of the Board of Assessors made the proposal to Richard LaCamera – and Selectmen Richard Nunes, Bradford Morse and Naida Parker – to establish a new, part-time position for a “floater” position that would help cover in various different offices as needed. The position would not be pensionable, however it would offer benefits.
Due to a re-certification process that is about to fall upon the shoulders of the Assessors, they are anticipating a greater workload, and insist they could use the help of this floater. As a result, they would be funding the floater’s salary out of their budget.
The floater would spend the majority of the time with the Assessors, and then would share whatever hours are left over with the other departments. Mello said the position would not cost the town money and all money would be re-allocated.
The assessors cited the recent hour limitations placed on the Town Clerk’s office as a reason to bring an extra set of hands on board.
For every reason the Assessors gave to bring the position on board, the Selectmen provided a reason as to why it would not be a good idea. The main reason the Selectmen were in opposition of the job addition is that there simply is not enough work in the other departments to warrant the hiring of another individual.
“I don’t have an answer for that,” LaCamera said when asked about where he would put the floater to work.
Furthermore, LaCamera said that he has been approached by other departments, including the Treasurer’s Office and the Police Department, to increase some of the hours of their administrative workers. He also said that the offices are very rarely left unattended, so there’s no real need for the floater position.
Both parties left the meeting at a stalemate, each sticking by their original ground.
“It’s a pickle,” said Mello.
The Assessors have until Monday, April 23, to draft a proposal for the budget committee and present it at the Board of Selectmen meeting.
By Katy Fitzpatrick