Westport is looking for a new assistant planner, following the departure last Friday of former assistant planner Amy Messier.

Town planner Michael Burris told select board members Monday that he hopes to have a replacement on board as soon as possible, as the roles formerly filled by Messier need attention and with the department down to two — himself and Nadine Castro — the work load will be difficult.

“We’re looking to get this position posted as soon as possible,” he said.

Though money is tight, select board members and others who spoke from the audience agreed, saying that not only is Messier’s role important, it is also essential for the overall health of the planning department.

“We have the ability, if we post this position right now, to keep this really good team together,” planning board member John Bullard said from the audience.

“If we don’t post, it’s not necessarily just going from three to two. There’s a risk that we go from three to one — because you can burn people out. I think that’s a risk you really have to think about.”

“Michael, you’re an excellent employee,” select board member Steve Ouellette said. “We need to give you the tools.”

The motion to post the position was ultimately approved unanimously.