PHILLIPSTON — Adam Lamontagne has officially started as Phillipston’s new chief administrative officer, following his recent departure from the town administrator role in neighboring Templeton.
Lamontagne stepped down from his position in Templeton after four and a half years, citing a “hostile work environment.” Shortly after, he was selected to replace interim CAO Peter Morin, who had taken over in November 2024 following the resignation of Melanie Jackson. Jackson continues to serve as Phillipston’s treasurer.
Despite the circumstances of his departure, Lamontagne says he has no concerns working with Templeton, which shares the Narragansett Regional School District with Phillipston and manages the towns’ joint 911 emergency call system, the Athol Daily News reported.
“In all the positions I have held, obviously, in Templeton, I focused on their best interests, and in Phillipston I’m going to focus on their best interests, budget-wise. Those are my responsibilities,” Lamontagne said.
One of Lamontagne’s top priorities is advancing housing development. He highlighted the town’s recent sale of the former Baldwinville Elementary School, which is being converted into 54 units—most of them designated as affordable housing.
Lamontagne also has his eye on Phillipston Memorial Elementary School, calling it a “marketable site” with potential. While no decisions have been made, he plans to present various reuse options to the Selectboard for consideration.
Another key issue on his agenda is the Bates Powers Dam. Though Phillipston’s Community Preservation Committee recently declined to commit funding to purchase the dam, Lamontagne said he plans to discuss next steps with Athol Town Manager Shaun Suhoski ahead of the Annual Town Meeting on May 5.
“I have a good working relationship with Shaun,” said Lamontagne. “So I’ll speak with him see where the board is at here and get a read on where he thinks his board is on the issue.”
Lamontagne is also focused on addressing high electricity rates in Phillipston. He noted this is the first town he’s worked in that doesn’t have a municipal light board.
“I’ve worked for three municipalities – this is my first without a municipal light board,” he said. “I have to say, municipal rates are great, they’re affordable for the residents. So, that’s one of the things I want to work on with the board, to provide the best rates for Phillipston residents. Looking at a municipal system, that could be one option – setting up a consortium. All those things are on the table.”
Before serving as town administrator in Templeton, Lamontagne was the assistant town administrator. He also served on the Chicopee City Council from 2014 to 2017 and on its School Committee from 2008 to 2014.
He holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State University, as well as a certification in local government leadership and management from the Moakley Center for Public Management, which he earned in 2021.
wow interesting / ” he states focused on their best interests, and in ” Phillipston” I’m going to focus on their best interests, budget-wise. Those are my responsibilities,” So leaving voluntarily over said reason , is now on the other side now promotion its side ? in my opinion time for philipston to have its own school system / ? Who will be the determining factor in decision budget for school arrangement this equates interesting employment situation what come to open mind ?