The Sheffield Selectboard approved a compensation package June 3 for the town's next employee, setting an hourly wage between $24 and $28 depending on experience. Benefits include two weeks of vacation after a 90-day probation period, a $280-per-week stipend for those who decline health insurance, and a bronze-level Blue Cross Blue Shield plan with the town covering 80 percent of the premium. Employees choosing a different plan would receive the same 80 percent contribution toward the bronze rate, with any excess paid by the employee. After one year, the town will match retirement contributions up to 5 percent through a SIMPLE IRA.
The board voted to combine all sick, vacation, and personal leave into a single paid time off bank for all employees.
Caledonia County Sheriff Brandon Thrailkill reported that patrol hours in Sheffield have roughly doubled, from 19.5 hours in the first half of 2025 to 42 hours in the same period in 2026. He attributed the increase to more staff, noting the department now has four field training officers, up from one a year ago, and is training a new deputy to also serve as a dispatcher. Countywide incidents rose from 339 to 517 over the same period. The sheriff's department currently contracts with 11 Caledonia County towns and temporarily with Newbury in Orange County.
The board is drafting a new employee policy covering all elected and hired personnel. Town Clerk Erika Lavallee noted that transfer station employees currently operate under Wheelock's policy; the board took a copy for review and will bring proposed changes to a future meeting.
The board reported $22,411 in delinquent taxes outstanding. Listers received the chair's signature on a Grand List extension form.
NEK will be looking into the details of the new employee policy once it is drafted and whether the board's consolidation of leave time represents a change from previous practice.
Originally reported by North Star Monthly.
Photo: LXS Photography via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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