Northampton residents demand accountability after town administrator dual employment decision

Concerns over local governance took center stage during a recent New Hampshire Legislature meeting, as residents voiced frustrations regarding a controversial decision by the Northampton select board. The board's approval for the town's full-time administrator to also serve part-time in Newcastle, without public consultation, has sparked significant backlash from taxpayers.

A resident expressed deep concern about the lack of transparency, noting that the decision was made in a non-public meeting, denying residents the chance to voice their opinions. The resident questioned the rationale behind paying a full-time salary to an administrator who is now splitting their time between two towns. "It’s illogical to compensate an employee for full-time work when they are serving another town two days a week," they stated.

The fallout from this decision has been notable, with the resignation of key town officials, including a police chief and a fire chief, raising alarms about the effectiveness of town management. The resident also highlighted difficulties in obtaining information about the administrator's time commitments, suggesting a lack of oversight from the select board.

In light of these issues, the resident urged the legislature to take action, emphasizing that New Hampshire's Dillon Rule state status necessitates legislative oversight to protect taxpayer interests. They proposed amendments to a related bill, advocating for the removal of criminal penalties for failing to report new employment offers while under contract, arguing that this change would enhance the bill's chances of passing.

As the meeting progressed, the chair acknowledged the resident's concerns and encouraged further dialogue on the matter, underscoring the importance of community input in local governance decisions. The discussions reflect a growing demand for accountability and transparency in municipal management, as residents seek to ensure their voices are heard in the decision-making process.