Advisory board pauses hiring decision; will research health‑educator role and revisit budget June 24

The Greater Boroughs Advisory Board on June 11 discussed FY2027 budget scenarios and chose not to finalize a staffing hire at the meeting, instead directing staff to collect additional information and return on June 24.

Michaela presented three scenarios: keep current contracts; hire a part‑time public‑health nurse; or hire a part‑time health educator (or use a consultant for communications/sustainability work). Directors raised concerns about funding continuity beyond FY28, the timeline for recruiting and posting a new position, and uneven use of existing contracts such as Clear Path, which some towns have used while others have not.

Board members asked staff to gather sample job descriptions from other SSAs and to report how quickly positions could be posted and filled. Penny (regional public‑health nurse) noted that additional staff would be necessary if the board expects to expand services; other members suggested a consultant could produce a communications toolkit if hiring proved infeasible in the near term.

The board did not take a final staffing vote but recorded a consensus to investigate further. Michaela said she would compile health‑educator job descriptions and examples of other SSAs’ hiring experiences and present findings on June 24, when the board will complete budget decisions.

Directors also discussed promoting Clear Path usage (a referral service used for housing support) and suggested outreach to municipal departments and housing authorities to increase equitable uptake if the contract is continued.

Next steps: staff will return with sample job descriptions, a timeline for recruitment or contracting, and a recommended budget amendment if hiring is proposed.