Part-time Town Planner John Charbonneau says he’s not going anywhere, at least not any time soon. Amidst published reports indicating Charbonneau might soon be taking on a full-time planning position in Rochester, some residents have questioned whether Wareham will soon be without even a part-time planner.

Charbonneau, who currently splits his time as town planner between Wareham and Rochester, reportedly asked the Rochester Planning Board to consider expanding the planning position to full-time. Charbonneau says that is not the full story.

Contacted January 24, Charbonneau said it was the Rochester Planning Board chairman who asked him to go public with the possibility signing on full-time.

"It is just something that is being considered," he said. "It's exploratory."

In August 2010, Charbonneau was unanimously chosen by a search committee to represent both towns as planner in an effort to conserve money. He acts as planner in Wareham on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and in Rochester on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Town of Wareham pays for 60 percent of his $60,000 salary, about $36,000 each year.

The Wareham Town Planner position was vacant for more than two years before Charbonneau arrived. The same position was also left empty in Rochester for nine months after the former planner there retired.

Regardless of the money being saved, Charbonneau admits that there are difficulties that he faces while working for both towns.

"There may be times the work is overwhelming. I am never in a town for two consecutive days," he said. “I am happy with the way things are, but if either town wanted the position to be full-time, I would jump on it.”

Despite the demanding workload, Town Administrator Mark Andrews said the decision to hire Charbonneau part-time was the right choice.

“It is one of the better things the town has done." Andrews said. “He is fully accessible. I hope he stays as long as he can."

When asked about the possibility of making Charbonneau full-time in Wareham, Andrews said the position is “constantly under evaluation” and that, if the economy permits, it could be considered for next year's budget.