The Deep River Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) choice of a consulting firm rather than an individual to fulfill the role of zoning enforcement officer (ZEO) took the Board of Selectmen by surprise in June, but by the board’s Aug. 11 meeting, the selectmen were seeking ways to capitalize on the move.

“We were negotiating with CHA [Consulting, Inc.],” said First Selectman Angus McDonald. “It worked out very well for the town. It answered a lot of questions…We negotiated what I think was a very good agreement.”

McDonald reported that the hours for the office will change with the consultants starting at 9 a.m. instead of 8:30 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.

“That is going to allow them time to support the [Planning & Zoning] Commission at their meetings as well as time away from the office, so they won’t be manning the office, but they’ll be able to respond to emails and other inquiries that way during the week,” said McDonald.

The cost of CHA Consulting, Inc., will be several thousand dollars more than budgeted the salary, stipend, and other benefits for the ZEO position. The grant-writing capabilities of CHA led the selectmen to recommend the increase the Board of Finance.

“The main thing we have to keep focus on is the ability that they are going to write grants for us,” said Selectman Duane Gates. “We get one grant for $5,000, $10,000, $20,000—whatever it may be, it’s paid its weight in gold right there already. So, even though we’re concerned about spending more money, I think in the long run you’re going to get more bang for your buck.”

The board planned make a formal recommendation at the Board of Finance’s next meeting.