Westford town meeting approves classification for operations analyst to boost fiscal oversight

Westford voters at the town meeting approved adding an operations analyst classification to the town's pay plan, a measure proponents said will expand internal financial analysis and help identify cost savings across departments.

Town Manager Kristen Laas told the meeting the position is aimed at strengthening contract oversight, pursuing grants and improving long‑term financial planning. "Since then, despite staffing reductions, we delivered more than $4.8 million in direct taxpayer benefit," Laas said while describing the analyst's role in supporting data‑driven decisions and Tri‑Board reporting to the Select Board, Finance Committee and School Committee.

The classification was presented as a non‑union, professional role (band 3) with a minimum salary of $70,084 and a maximum of $97,974. Multiple town bodies recommended the change: the Select Board (5‑0), Finance Committee (8‑0), Personnel Advisory Committee (3‑0), the Clean Energy and Sustainability Committee (6‑0) and the Recycling Commission (4‑0).

Scott Harkness, speaking for the Personnel Advisory Committee, said the PAC reviewed the job description and recommended approval, saying the role centralizes analytical and financial responsibilities "not currently assigned" in a consistent way.

Opponents and some residents questioned whether the new role duplicates existing work performed by an assistant town manager. Resident Doug Burns asked why the town would add classifications when some frontline staff remain underpaid or understaffed. Town Manager Laas responded that the assistant town manager role predates 2008 and that the analyst's duties are distinct and documented on the town website.

Residents also raised alternatives — including a part‑time role or an AI pilot to handle some tasks — but town leaders said the classification item before voters only creates the job title; funding and filling the position are subject to the operating budget and future staffing decisions.

The town meeting voted to place the operations analyst classification on the pay and classification plan; the motion passed, 173 yes to 68 no. The moderator said residents may contact Town Hall for further information about changing pay bands or future staffing questions.