LANGFORD BOARD HEARS CONCERNS

    In last week’s Langford Board of Trustees Meeting, resident Anthony Hermes raised several concerns. Here’s a recap of the key points discussed.
    Payroll Transparency: Hermes requested detailed payroll information for each employee or department, emphasizing the need for transparency. Trustee Chad Hardy suggested adding figures under ‘Payroll Expenditures’ in meeting minutes for a monthly total, but Hermes insisted on specific per-employee data.
    Employee Benefits Inquiry: Hermes inquired about the town’s employee benefits package and was provided with a copy of the Personnel Policy by Board President Orrie Jesz. Specific page numbers covering the requested information were highlighted by Sean Kramer.
    Board Meeting Participation: Hermes questioned the participation of non-board members (Utility Manager Kramer, Finance Officer Stiegelmeier) in reporting at Board Meetings outside their designated times, suggesting only Board of Trustees members should speak during meetings.
    Maintenance Department Performance: Expressing concern over the maintenance department’s performance, Hermes questioned the value the town receives. Hermes stated when you look around town it raises questions as to what they’ve accomplished all year. Hermes feels the department needs to be proactive, not reactive. Trustee Hardy invited Hermes to submit a list of items for maintenance, but Hermes did not confirm if he would.
    Meeting Paperwork Accessibility: Hermes requested a PDF copy of Board Meeting paperwork, raising concerns about the cost of obtaining printed materials. The Board explained the requirement to list agendas and meeting minutes online and suggested Hermes request additional documentation from the finance office for a fee.
    Postage Expenditure Inquiry: Hermes questioned the monthly expenditure of $168 on postage. The Board clarified that the finance office uses postage for mailing letters and utility bills each month.
    No immediate action was taken on the matters raised by Hermes. 
    During the Public Comment section, Coleen Monson and Justin Monson raised questions about a FEMA ordinance passed in the previous month and inquired about town expenditures, specifically mentioning Venture and credit card expenses.
    In the Maintenance Department Report, updates on the library/community center bathroom remodel and upcoming safety inspections were discussed.
    In new business, employee payment procedures at Board Meetings were questioned, and concerns were raised about meetings going late. The Board clarified that employees typically pack up after meetings, and no action was taken.
    Building permits for Michael & Sarah Swenson and Mitchell & Stephanie Wieser were approved. Several motions were made and approved during the meeting, including rate resolutions, utility rate schedules and the transfer of contingency funds.
    After an executive session, the board voted to increase all town employee hourly wages by $0.50 and issue $2,000 bonuses, with no changes for Board members or election workers.
    The next meeting is scheduled for January 16.