When the board met on September 3, only four regular meetings remained in their terms. Frankly, with the approval of minutes and the consent agenda topping the menu the evening looked like a bit of a yawn.

Which it was until Selectman Kerin, who heads the Information Technology subcommittee, brought forward a plan to hire a full-time IT specialist.

This is a concept that was approved in principle last year and the 2008-09 budget listed a $70,000 IT salary line.

The subsequent decline in town revenues due to the economic downturn put it on hold, with a stringent budget-cutting policy led by First Selectman Bill Davis in place.

Since to persist then would have been fruitless at best and frivolous at worst or vice-versa, compromise was found in hiring two part-time consultants, and great progress had been made, particularly in revitalizing the town's website.

But Mr. Kerin, in feisty form, took the position that the time has come to move the town into the Information Age on a more professional, full-time footing, and persuasively argued that, for example, underuse/misuse of the Geographic Information System has cost the town thousands in wasted dollars. No one disputed this assertion.

He made the appropriate motion and discussion ensued.

While Mr. Davis, facing reelection, sat a little tight-lipped, support for Mr. Kerin's position came from Selectman Somers who pointed to the proven effectiveness of the Internet in promoting workplace productivity and community interaction, which, over time, could actually increase revenues for the town.

Selectman Carol Hubert noted the benefits to the community that the web offers, foreseeing a time when, among other benefits, residents could, for example, pay their taxes directly on line without coming down to the Town Hall, sign up for Parks and Rec activities or volunteer for community service.

Selectman John Turk, who as chairman of the Economic Development Commission has promoted development of a website for marketing the Southbury Corporate Park property, was a definite supporter but would like to know more about the details.

Selectman McLaughlin, also, was open to the idea, but wanted details about the job description and professional qualifications.

She also pointed out that the motion should be tabled because it was not listed on the agenda. However, she was absolutely firm that this board should act on this issue and not leave it hanging for a new board to deal with.

Mr. Davis said that he still preferred continuing the policy of using consultants which, he said, "some people in Town Hall" also favor.

Mr. Kerin said that he knows who those people are, but does not agree with them.

Time is tight since only three regular meetings remain before November 3. Mr. Kerin said that he would be unable to attend the September 17 meeting, which leaves only the two October meetings.

Finally, the motion was tabled. At the next meeting the first selectman will line up both full-time and part-time proposals for discussion, with action by the full board scheduled in October.

In the really good news department, a letter from Thomas D. Kirk, Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority president, included in the board's correspondence, enclosed a check for $8,593.45 in rebate for the town's delivery of 1,718.69 tons of recyclables in fiscal 2009.

Mr. Kirk's letter noted, "As you know, every additional ton your town recycles is one less ton of trash you must pay to dispose of."

Mr. Davis calculated that recycling saved the town $127,183.06.