Orleans COA Board Votes 3-2 to Back Petition for Assistant Director Position

ORLEANS — March 4, 2026 — Orleans Council on Aging Board narrowly backs citizen petition for an Assistant COA Director, 3-2. The board voted Wednesday to support a petition filed by member Susan Milton calling on Town Meeting to amend the 2026 annual budget to create and fill the position by August 15, 2026, with a Proposition 2.5 override if necessary. Town Manager Kim Newman and Select Board Liaison Andrea Reed both attended and affirmed there is no disagreement on whether the position is needed, only on timing — the administration had planned to fund it through excess levy revenue at a Special Fall Town Meeting. Director Judi Wilson confirmed she has requested the position for two consecutive budget cycles, telling the board, "Do I think we need it? Yes, I do." The two dissenting board members stated after the vote they supported the intent but were concerned about the timing. The petition is under preliminary review by Town Counsel for technical deficiencies, including a missing article title and an unenforceable August 15 hiring deadline.