Council approves New Focus HR to update town employee handbook

Council reviewed competing proposals for updating the town's employee handbook and voted to engage New Focus HR to complete the work.

Staff had prepared a comparison table showing scope and estimated costs for both firms; one firm's prior work for the town had focused on water and sewer utility financing and capital planning, while New Focus HR was described as a specialist in HR and handbook work. "I kind of provided my feedback on each of those options... and then kind of provided that a cost breakdown," staff said. Council members discussed past familiarity and relative value; one councilor said New Focus appeared to be "their wheelhouse" and moved to engage the firm. The motion was seconded and passed on a roll call vote.

Staff said they would coordinate the scope, timeline and any optional supplemental proposals before executing an engagement agreement and returning to council if the scope or cost required later approval.