Hebron’s Select Board answered residents’ questions about creating a town administrator position during a public hearing Feb. 10. From left: Elizabeth Olsen, Chair Gino Valeriani, and Derek Pike

HEBRON — About 15 residents attended a public hearing Monday to learn about a proposal to hire a town administrator.

The proposal will be included as an article on Hebron’s annual town meeting warrant. The meeting will be held March 15 at Hebron Station School.

While an official job description has not been finalized, the Select Board has determined to make it a 30-32 hour-a-week position with an estimated hourly wage of $45 and eligibility for health insurance and other benefits. An online announcement has already resulted in one interested applicant submitting a resume.

The board convened an ad hoc committee last summer to research governance of other communities and assess the most feasible path forward for Hebron. Minutes and recommendations of the committee can be found on the Committees & Other Officials page of Hebron’s website.

Town administrator responsibilities will include supervising Hebron’s administrative, public works and transfer station departments, pursuing infrastructure grants; managing town office operations, annual budgeting and accounting,

According to Selectperson Elizabeth Olsen, who manages Hebron’s human resources duties, part of the the position will be funded by eliminating a treasurer/deputy town clerk position which has been unfilled since last year. The additional expense in 2024 would be up to $22,000.

But by next year a large portion of $30,000 in stipends currently paid to selectmen will be reallocated to the administrator’s salary.

The board chair receives $15,000 and the other two selectpersons $7,500. With an administrator assuming much of the board’s responsibilities, their compensation could be decreased by 80-85%.

Olsen also noted that Hebron has contracted out accounting, finance and audit prep duties since the previous treasurer/assistant clerk left. If those tasks can be brought back in-house the savings would further mitigate the cost of hiring an administrator.