Selectboard to review police contract and pursue outreach as policing questions continue

The Selectboard discussed ongoing police-related matters and plans for outreach and contract review. Peeker Heffernan said the town meeting warning and a police matter have been outstanding for about six months and that board-level involvement has been limited; Chair Ian Albinson said outreach events held by Chief Bruce Nason provide opportunities for members to attend and that surveys and other outreach will be forthcoming.

Town Administrator Greg Faust said he plans to review the existing police contract in the next month to identify opportunities to make the Town more competitive on pay and benefits, noting roughly one to two years remain on the contract. Faust suggested insurance opt-out lines and other non-salary levers as potential options to improve officer compensation while staying within budget constraints.