This episode of "Merit vs Mandate" delves into a contentious Select Board meeting concerning COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) raises for Municipal workers, where a proposal suggested an increase no less than the Federal COLA for Social Security recipients, with a subsequent cap at 4%. Emphasizing the "Janice situation," a speaker highlighted that as a Social Security recipient managing personal expenses like car payments, they believe any COLA increase for municipal workers should not exceed the percentage determined for Social Security recipients. This discussion underscores the tension between such a universal, mandated COLA and the current system where Municipal workers receive compensation through collective bargaining and merit-based raises. The meeting also saw disturbing "veiled threats" of service deprivation if compensation requests were unmet, all within a small town of approximately 4600 residents where employment expectations should consider the town's size. Ultimately, the conversation framed monetary compensation as distinct from appreciation, contingent instead on the town's budget and the residents' ability to tolerate tax increases.

In this episode, we cover the Brentwood Select Board meeting from August 19th, 2025—a packed agenda featuring major announcements, community discussions, and important decisions. Highlights include John Morgan’s heartfelt resignation from the board, approval of payroll and consent items, and a unique property reassessment for a Middle Road resident. We introduce Julie Stevens as the new Finance Manager, celebrate National Night Out, and hear the retirement announcement of longtime Police Chief Joseph Bird. Other key topics include police detail rate adjustments, building inspector hours, health insurance concerns, Route One Twenty Five speed limit legislation, fire department updates including a new forestry tanker, progress on town-wide property revaluation, and a review of the COLA policy. Public comment raised spirited debate on trash collection, budget clarity, and community transparency. Committee reports rounded out the evening, touching on the municipal building project, highway paving, and upcoming school year events before the board moved into non-public session