The Town of Southborough Select Board voted 4-0 on Feb. 12, 2025, to appoint Mark Flanagan, currently employed by the town of Paxton, to a working foreman position in the Department of Public Works, effective immediately.

The appointment came during a brief special meeting called to "ratify a hire," according to meeting remarks. Select Board member Al moved to appoint Flanagan; a second was given and the board proceeded to a roll-call vote. The board recorded aye votes from Sam, Al, Marguerite and Cook.

Bill Cundiff, speaking for the hiring team, said Flanagan brings about 20 years of public-works experience and prior heavy-construction work in the private sector. "He brings to the table, I think, something that that will benefit the town tremendously," Cundiff said, adding that Flanagan will serve as a "working foreman" with hands-on duties and a practical approach to problem solving.

Cundiff said the candidate interviewed with members of the town team, including "Mark, myself, and Chris, and Paul from the water department," and that references, including one from Westborough, were favorable. Cundiff said the move would be "pretty much a lateral move in terms of dollars" from Flanagan's current job in Paxton; why Flanagan was leaving Paxton was "not really" stated, Cundiff said.

The board did not debate the hire at length. The chair noted that minutes for the hire would be added to the record. After the vote the board adjourned.

Votes at a glance: Appointment of Mark Flanagan to a working foreman position in the Department of Public Works — motion by Select Board member Al; second not named; vote 4-0 in favor (Sam: yes; Al: aye; Marguerite: aye; Cook: aye); outcome: approved; effective immediately.