Weathersfield Select Board Meeting – July 24, 2026

The Weathersfield Select Board met on July 24, 2026, at approximately 7:38 PM. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a brief executive session to discuss a personnel matter. Upon returning to open session, the board addressed a motion to amend a prior decision from July 21 regarding interim town management. After public comment and deliberation, the board unanimously approved a revised interim co-management structure. Additional actions included acknowledging the FY27 administrative budget forecast and clarifying the public availability of meeting recordings.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Zach V. asked for clarification on the new motion, specifically whether the board was removing itself from day‑to‑day operations. He also questioned whether having Josh Compo as both a department head (fire department) and an interim co‑town manager created a conflict of interest during budget season. Board members explained that department heads submit budgets to the town manager and that final budget approval rests with voters. Zach also reported that emails sent to board members via the town website had gone unanswered; a board member stated she would check with IT.

Discussion Items

• Amendment of July 21 motion on interim town management – The board returned from executive session and discussed amending a motion made two days earlier. The original motion had appointed Suzanne Turrell and Josh Compo as transition team leaders, with the select board serving as interim town manager and Tom Marsh and Brendan Gilmick on call. That decision had caused confusion, partly because Brendan Gilmick was reportedly unaware he would be listed as on call. Board members clarified that the inclusion of Brendan Gilmick was based on a private conversation between a board member and Brendan. After debate about transparency, the board proposed a new motion: appoint Josh Compo and Suzanne Torrell as interim co‑town managers effective August 15, 2026, with compensation of $600 per week each, following an interim co‑management structure and position description presented to the board. The board also retained certain town manager responsibilities (e.g., appointment/removal of employees, wage adjustments, policy changes) as recommended by the outgoing town manager.
• Budget forecast acknowledgment – The board considered a motion to acknowledge receipt of the fiscal year 2027 administrative budget forecast. The forecast demonstrated that the recommended interim management structure, town manager transition, and executive recruitment services were projected to be completed within the adopted FY27 administration budget, with an estimated year‑end net balance of approximately $1,934. A board member noted the forecast did not increase the budget.
• Complaints against board members – The board briefly entered a second executive session to review an investigation report concerning complaints filed against board members. Upon returning, a board member announced that the report would be released to the public on Monday.
• Meeting recordings on YouTube – In response to resident inquiries, a board member confirmed that all meeting videos continue to be uploaded to the Weathersfield Vermont YouTube channel, typically within the statutory timeline (minutes posted within five days).

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous vote to amend the July 21 motion – The board voted unanimously to replace the earlier decision with: "Move that the select board appoint Josh Compo and Suzanne Torrell as interim co‑town managers, effective August 15, 2026, in accordance with the interim co‑management structure and interim co‑town manager position description presented to the board, with compensation of $600 per week for each interim co‑town manager until a permanent town manager is appointed or until further action of the select board." The motion carried with no dissenting votes.
• Unanimous vote to acknowledge the FY27 budget forecast – The board voted unanimously to acknowledge receipt of the budget forecast as presented.
• Announcement of complaint report release – The investigation report on complaints against board members will be made public on Monday.
• Adjournment – The meeting adjourned by unanimous vote.