Johnson approves development coordinator, passes budget

A similar measure to share the cost of such a professional with Johnson village passed in the town last year but failed in the village. This year, the town is taking it on themselves.

After what town administrator Brian Johnson described as a lengthy discussion, the measure was approved, and a motion to pay for the position with American Rescue Plan Act funds was voted down.

Voters also approved the establishment of a regular line item in the annual budget to set aside funds for a grant match reserve fund.

An arboretum reserve fund was also approved to set aside surplus money and other funds from the Johnson Tree Board for the development of the Johnson Arboretum and its current collection of saplings.

Shayne Spence took over for outgoing longtime selectboard member Eric Osgood in the two-year slot, beating Kirk Patch 140-77.

Eben Patch returned uncontested to the three-year seat, and Katie Orost and Monica Stearns will serve on the Lamoille North Supervisory Union school board.

Town officer compensation was raised to $1,500 for board members and $2,000 for chairs.

At the end of the meeting, several non-binding resolutions were passed, including one that said voters objected to “the removal of the majority of the physical collection, eliminating the library staff, and the change to an all digital collection,” and also objected to “the removing of varsity athletics from the Randolph campus and eliminating the relationship the Johnson campus has with NCAA.”

Voters also directed the selectboard to conduct a thorough evaluation of public safety to involve emergency services, police and fire department.

Residents also took the occasion of the annual meeting to acknowledge Osgood for his 27 years of service to the Johnson community and “extend their gratitude for his generous service.”