COUNCIL OKs $180 PER HOUR
Blackstone officials have complained about “Human Resources” for several years, now they’re doing something about it.
Council voted 7-0 last Thursday to spend up to $180 per hour — for up to 100 hours per year or $18,000 total — with One Digital to serve as an impartial, third party HR consultant. Council also agreed that, if necessary, the Town would be willing to exceed 100 hours in fiscal year ‘25-26 which begins July 1st.
The move follows several months of turmoil at the Town Office and in the Sanitation Department, an eye-opening resignation letter from the former Treasurer, and a sexual harassment grievance by an employee that led to the April 16th resignation of Mayor Ben Green.
One Digital reps say Blackstone’s policies and processes outlined on paper appear “pretty good” and “solid.”
“But your policy is only as good as it’s put into place, right?” added One Digital’s Missy Richstien Jones. “You can write a policy all day long, but if it’s not enforced and not followed, then it goes off the rails.”
Ward B rep Wes Gormus said he hopes the firm can help Town department heads handle complaints in a timely and professional matter so they don’t escalate into formal grievances.
Ward C Councilman Jake Allman said the Town may need help developing a sound process for employees who wish to file a complaint against an elected official.
“And for that complaint to be processed,” chimed-in At-Large rep Chris Page, That was an apparent reference to remarks made in January by the ex-Mayor about a female employee. She verbally complained the next week but was disappointed that the complaint wasn’t taken seriously and became office fodder until she filed a written grievance in late March.
“That’s a difficult position for a Town Manager to handle,” Page added, “when a complaint is filed against one of his bosses.”
Ms. Richstien-Jones noted that Blackstone has a Town Attorney (Julian Harf).
“He (Harf) handled the last one we had recently,” said Council President Eric Nash, “It was probably the first one in Town history. But it needs to be shored-up in writing.”
Councilman Nathaniel Miller said the most pressing need is anti-retaliation assurances for employees who file a complaint.
One Digital reps agreed, saying the “anti-retaliatory piece is missing from the Town’s current policies.”
Nash said employees should absolutely be protected if their complaint turns-out to be founded.
Councilwoman Lloyette Wynn said one of the Town’s personnel weaknesses is lack of “proper documentation” and job descriptions for staff.
Miller said all employees deserve a proper introduction to One Digital. “These employees know nothing about HR, they’re gonna be scared. They’re gonna say, ‘Well this is another thing.’”
“We’re here to HELP them,” said Ms. Richstien-Jones.
“Well, you’ve got to sit down with these people and tell them what you’re doing,” Miller emphasized.
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