(Photo Credit: Athol Daily News)
PHILLIPSTON — The Selectboard accepted the resignation of Chief Administrative Officer Melanie Jackson during its Oct. 16 meeting. Jackson, who will officially leave her position on Nov. 1, will continue serving the town as its part-time treasurer.
According to the Athol Daily News, Jackson initially joined Phillipston as town treasurer before transitioning into her current role following the departure of former Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Flynn in 2020. When Flynn vacated the position, the town reclassified the role as “administrative assistant” when Jackson assumed the responsibilities. Despite the title change suggesting that someone higher up would manage the more significant tasks, Jackson explained that no such support existed.
“I volunteered to help in the Selectmen’s office and simply never left,” Jackson said. “At that time, the position was titled ‘administrative assistant,’ which would indicate there was someone higher up doing the heavier lifting, which is not the case.”
At the Annual Town Meeting in May of this year and once again at a Special Town Meeting in June, residents voted against an article that would increase the salary for the administrative assistant role from $78,000 to $93,000, despite recommendations from the Selectboard and Finance Committee. Jackson told the Athol Daily News that the vote “clarified that some folks clearly do not understand what this position entails.”
After the Town Meeting votes, Jackson initially submitted her resignation in July but agreed to stay on temporarily. The Selectboard then voted to reinstate the title of Chief Administrative Officer; however, Jackson’s salary remained unchanged. In an interview with the Athol Daily News, Jackson highlighted the challenges of balancing the numerous duties of the role, including night meetings, within the current pay structure.
“In addition to the myriad daily duties that keep the town running…there often are a number of night meetings to attend each month,” Jackson said. “This is all expected to be done within the 36-hour-a-week hourly wage determined by Town Meeting vote; it simply is neither feasible nor possible without breaking standard labor law.”
Jackson emphasized the importance of the role, stating, “One reason chief administrative officers, town coordinators, town managers, and town administrators are paid well is because they commit much of their time to serving the town, using their expertise to address the issues municipalities and residents face. It’s both a duty and an honor.”
Phillipston’s Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for managing the town’s day-to-day operations, including budgeting, policy implementation, and coordination with town departments to ensure municipal services run smoothly. In Massachusetts, such roles can vary based on town size, but typically, they involve significant administrative oversight and collaboration with local government bodies.
Selectboard Chair Bernie Malouin mentioned that the town’s attorney, Tom McEnany, suggested seeking retired administrators or managers for an interim replacement. The board plans to finalize the job description at its next meeting on Oct. 30.
Reflecting on her tenure, Jackson expressed gratitude for her colleagues and the Selectboard, stating, “I could not have asked for a better group to work with. We’ve made strides in budget transparency, policy development, and improving services.” She added that she looks forward to continuing her work as town treasurer while allowing a new leader to step into the administrative role.
Selectboard member Nicole Gough expressed her appreciation for Jackson’s contributions, saying, “We wish her well in all her future endeavors and look forward to working with her as town treasurer.”