Minden Town Board members, facing down term limits after more than two decades in office, talked Wednesday about the most effective ways of passing on their legacy.
Board members Ray Wilson and Bruce Jacobsen may be removed from the November ballot if a challenge by the Secretary of State that their candidacy is illegal is successful.
Longtime Office Manager Sheila Byington is considering retirement in order to maintain her health benefits as a public employee.
The board created a two-member committee Wednesday to review a contract offered by Byington and her husband, retired businessman Jack Van Dien, which would allow her to receive her retirement and continue to work for the board.
The request is for an agreement from Sept. 2 through Dec. 31, 2010, with Sierra Pair, Ltd. " Van Dien's limited liability company " to provide administrative and consulting services for the town.
Board members questioned the price for the services and the length of the agreement.
Board member Robert Hadfield said he was concerned the public would perceive the town was working a deal for Byington.
"Morally, I cannot accept a public employee retiring from service, then coming back and having the same job," he said.
"I worry about a committee and the public's perception. This (agenda item) has been noticed twice before tonight and nothing's happened. I'm concerned about the public's perception whether something is being done for the wrong reason. I am not saying that's happening here."
He said he was concerned about the expense of contracting with Byington and hiring a replacement for her.
Town counsel George Keele, who worked with Byington and Van Dien on the contract, said there was "broad precedent" for the agreement.
"We're not here tonight for final action," Keele said. "The final dollar amount is not arrived at."
He said it would be misleading to view the contract as a "make work" job.
"You're hiring a company, and a very talented guy," Keele said.
He estimated it would take at least a year for Byington to train a replacement, and she did not have that option facing retirement in two months to keep her health benefits.
"This is a much bigger thing than just getting this stuff done," said board member Ross Chichester. "I felt we had two more years with this board. We may or may not."
The most pressing item is a long-discussed policies and procedures manual for the town that hasn't been done.
"In 25 or 26 years we know all this stuff, but it's not written down. If we want to send down the road a legacy of what we've done, we're going to have to spend the money," he said.
The board members praised Byington's performance, and said they hoped she would not retire.
Board Chairman Ray Wilson said he wanted to help Byington out, but was looking out for the taxpayers.
"She puts in extra time, there's no question of her loyalty," he said. "We want to help her out, but we can only go so far."
Byington corrected the notion she needed help.
"I do not see this as you doing me a favor," she said. "As for policies and procedures, I can finish that for you. I don't see this as you guys taking care of me. This is a job I can do for you."
Hadfield and Chichester were appointed to a committee to work out financial details. The item will be placed on the July 2 agenda.
