Newport selectmen approve staffing changes

NEWPORT – Selectmen agreed Wednesday night with two staffing changes recommended by Town Manager James Ricker.

Fred Hickey, the code enforcement officer, has been given the additional duties of purchasing agent, explained Ricker. The move should save money, he said, but an assessment will be conducted after two months to determine if it is.

“He’ll be responsible for buying, from culverts to pencils,” said Ricker. “He has been tasked with finding the best buy for the town.”

The second personnel shift has occurred with the resignation of the general assistance worker.

To fill that void, Ricker appointed town treasurer Deanna Thompson to provide general assistance services on each Tuesday.

“She’s already trained,” said Ricker. The job takes three to four hours a week and we’ll save about 50 percent of the payroll cost for the position.” Ricker said Thompson will receive a stipend for the additional duties.

In other business, the Newport selectmen:

. Approved closing the town office at noon Friday, June 11, for Newport’s employee recognition day, which will be held at Newport Entertainment Center.

. Approved a Games of Chance permit for the American Legion Post.