Personnel Board authorizes $5,000 for staff and board training, including AI-related sessions

The Personnel Board voted April 17 to authorize $5,000 for professional development covering two items: $3,000 for in‑person board and staff training (attorney-led) and $2,000 for virtual webinars available through national associations. Staff presented the request and explained that in-person sessions are outside regular monthly attorney stipends and therefore carry an additional cost.

Board members questioned the value and turnout for a $3,000 in‑person session and discussed strategies to encourage attendance (providing lunch, closing offices for the training, or using shared training resources from other communities). Staff responded that some training can be obtained at little or no cost through networks and insurance partnerships but that certain attorney‑led programs are fee‑based.

Members also discussed AI as a training topic: staff said they have explored AI use for public records and meeting materials and are talking with other communities and IT professionals to develop training content. The board encouraged upskilling town technology staff and coordinating with town counsel on appropriate uses and limits of AI for town records and meeting materials.

A motion to approve the two trainings as a package for $5,000 was moved, seconded and passed on roll call. Staff will proceed with scheduling, sign‑ups and any coordination with department heads to maximize participation and return on investment.