GROTON – Mark Haddad is remaining with the town for at least the next year as its manager, choosing not to opt-out of his employment contract which has two years remaining.
Haddad said earlier this month that he’s “got a lot going on” in terms of town business at the moment and he wants to see the work through.
That work includes overseeing repairs for the Department of Public Works’s garage, a “difficult” budget season for the next fiscal year and overseeing staff transitions in other departments.
The current contract, put into effect on July 1 this year, allowed either Haddad or the Select Board to not follow-through on the second or third year of his term.
The board voted 3-2 not to discuss the opt-out during its meeting on Nov. 25, with Chair Alison Manugian and member Rebecca Pine being the dissenting votes due to wanting to discuss the terms of the clause more thoroughly.
Vice Chair Josh Degen, Clerk John Reilly and member John Giger voted in favor of not discussing the clause, feeling confidence in Haddad’s performance as town manager.
In an email sent to The Voice on Dec. 11, Manugian said she was “happy to hear” Haddad was staying with the town and complimented his “wealth of experience and strengths” as town manager.
She added that she still would’ve still liked for the board to discuss the clause further before the November vote.
Pine had similar thoughts in her email to The Voice also sent on Dec. 11, saying that she has “regret” for the board not having a longer discussion about the clause.
Degen said that Haddad’s decision was “great” and that he remains a “good fit” for Groton, as long as he continues to “work collaboratively” with the Select Board.
“The board is cohesive with him and the town is being well taken care of right now,” he added.
Haddad has served Groton as town manager since October 2008.
The opt-out clause was added to his contract when it was renewed last year before being put into effect this year.
Haddad suggested putting the clause in so that the board could discuss any issues that occur during each year of his term.
According to Haddad’s current contract, his salary is set at $144,275 in the first year, $147,161 the second year and $150,105 the third year.
