More on pay plan

     One would think that for something as important and far reaching as Town Manager Russ Dean's new pay plan would be thorough without defect and would receive the approval of all the Selectmen.  Instead what we saw last evening was a plan with a number of unanswered questions, challenged by those who had in depth knowledge of the existing 2009 plan, thus could make an educated (and well researched) comparison.  The most troubling item where Selectmen Chartrand and Clement disagreed was over the grade level for certain positions.  Clement had a concern that some were too low and some were too high.  Chartrand's answer to this was, "We'll let the appeal process sort that out."  That means, put the burden on the employee to correct a potential deficiency that management chose to ignore.  As Selectwoman Surman said, "Shouldn't management do the job right the first time" in putting forth a plan where adequate review and discussion has taken place to address all deficiencies?
     It was evident from his body language that Chartrand was tiring of the discussion and his rush to vote ignoring public input and that of the other Board members came as he put forth a motion to approve the plan as submitted.  And, as expected, it passed 3 to 2. 
     Bob Eastman made a well documented statement that the 2009 plan has been working and that his in depth analysis and comparison to other NH towns of comparable size found our employees to be well compensated.  So, why the need to change?  In fact, the change will take place mid year this year instead of in 2015.  Why?  Because, apparently anticipating approval, the 2014 budget included money to cover the results of the pay plans enactment.  Taxpayers again seem not to be part of the consideration by certain members of the Board and the Town Manager.