Select Board approves several personnel policies and flags $335,667.54 accrued‑time liability

At the July 20 meeting the Select Board approved multiple personnel policies and discussed town liability for accrued paid time off.

Board members moved to approve the personal‑leave policy (third read), the sick‑leave policy with clarified language on when a physician’s certificate is required for "three consecutive days or partial days of sick leave," and the storm‑leave policy; each motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Separately, members debated the vacation‑leave policy and whether the accrual cap should change for new hires. A board member reported that the town’s total paid‑time‑off liability currently stands at $335,667.54 and recommended establishing a contingent‑liability budget line so the cost is tracked explicitly rather than absorbed informally across departmental budgets. The board asked staff to gather comparative data from similar towns and to bring recommendations on accrual caps and budgeting treatment for future consideration; members generally agreed not to reduce benefits already promised to existing employees without further review.

The board approved the policy revisions for publication and requested staff return with a revised form and final language on vacation scheduling before taking a final vote on accrual cap changes.