Paris adopts new personnel policy

PARIS — Town employees officially have a new personnel policy to follow.

The board of selectmen unanimously adopted the policy during its May 30 meeting.

The board, along with legal counsel and the town manager, have been working to develop the personnel policy for some time.

Chairman Bob Kirchherr commended the Policy and Procedures Committee for the "extensive work" they had done on drafting and redrafting the policy.

"This was a real work of art," said Kirchherr. "It really addresses a lot of the issues that have been floating around the town and puts in one place, information that will help our employees understand what their rights and privileges are."

Selectman Ted Kurtz said that the policy was in compliance with applicable state and federal law, but suggested that copies of the law be made available in the town office in case anyone wanted to review it.

Kirchherr suggested that rather than have a drawer full of documents, the town could make the applicable regulations available online.

Selectwoman Jean Smart agreed.

"We're hoping that it will be easily accessible [for] all employees," she said.

In other news the board:

• Approved the annual town meeting warrant. Town meeting will be held on June 16 at 10 a.m. at the Paris fire station.

• Signed the town's Maine Municipal Association contact policy.

• Discussed the town's vetting process for new employees.