CAMDEN, Maine — The Select Board voted Tuesday night at a hastily called meeting to give municipal employees a paid day off on Friday — an issue that generated considerable debate.
The board voted 3-1 to approve the “employee appreciation day” on Friday. John French Jr. voted against the measure and Leonard Lookner abstained from the vote.
Board member Donald White Jr. said he appreciates all that the employees do and voiced support for the paid day off.
French, the most veteran member of the board, said he also appreciates the workers but pointed out the cost of the action would be $9,200.
The town shows its appreciation in its pay and benefit package, he said. The town pays workers a good wage with good health benefits and vacation of two to five weeks per year, French said. He said many private sector workers have to work on Friday.
The issue of the action being taken during a special meeting also generated debate.
Lookner pointed out that board members had discussed the issue at their regular meeting last week and reached a consensus not to give the day off to workers. Lookner said the action by the board for a special vote is similar to the School Administrative District 28 board’s action to schedule a February vote on a new school.
Board member James Heard said he asked for the meeting because he was absent from last week’s meeting.