READSBORO- Planning commission members met with the selectboard on the status of hiring a new town manager. The selectboard claims it already has too much work to deal with and they haven’t discussed the issue. More important, the selectboard is unsure whether they could even create the job to begin with, since they have no funding mechanisms in place. In essence, the selectboard’s response was “show me the money.”

On Town Meeting day, the town of Readsboro passed Article 7 by the slimmest of margins. The article asked the town to approve a $35,000 salary for a new town manager who would handle the town’s day-to-day operational tasks. Sue Bailey, of the Readsboro Planning Commission, said the selectboard’s workload is increasing and has compromised town operations. The planning commission studied the issue and determined a town manager would help the town run more smoothly.

On Wednesday, Bailey met with the selectboard to discuss contingency plans. She said the planning commission is aware that voters want to recall the vote at a special Town Meeting in June. However, the planning commission told the selectboard that they are planning to move ahead with the transition.

Bailey said they are planning to meet with officials from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns and town managers from around the state and they will determine a game plan for the town once the manager position is established. But since the selectboard has authority over the town manager position, Bailey asked the selectboard where they currently stand and how far have they progressed.

Selectboard chair Ray Eilers said he likes the idea but he remains skeptical that the position could be established. Eilers said the town does not have funding for the position, and he was not sure where the town should start in terms of securing such funds. “Right now, we don’t have money in the general fund, which is where it’s supposed to come from. We like the idea. Whether we can afford it is a different matter,” said Eilers.

Selectboard member Craig Bartosewcz said the selectboard is dealing with several pressing matters, such as increasing electric and sewer rates, town garage repairs, and road maintenance. Funding the town manager position has been put on the back burner and Bartosewcz said the selectboard needs more time to discuss the issue. “Our slate is completely full,” said Bartosewcz.

Eilers reiterated that he understood the long-term benefits of establishing a town manager position but trying to get the funds for the job is the main sticking point preventing the selectboard from moving on the issue. Bailey suggested the position could be funded with grants and the town manager would be responsible for his or her own funding. Eilers agreed but given the current financial environment, asking the town to hire another full-time employee may be too much to ask for. “I just don’t know if we can afford it with all the things we have lined up. You’re looking at $100,000 that includes salary, office space, benefits, supplies, etc. It’s tough just to pull funds from other departments when they’re already working with bare-bottom funding,” said Eilers.

Bailey did not expect the selectboard to provide an answer right away. However, she emphasized that the planning commission is moving ahead and needs the selectboard to weigh in as soon as possible. “Are you considering against it because there’s no money? If so, then we have to move on to other things. You need assistance with the work you’re doing. These are issues the selectboard has to look at,” said Bailey.