At the age of 19, Kurt Grassett took what he thought would be a temporary job in public works for the town of Amherst. Little did he know, he would enjoy it so much that he would build a 30-plus year career that is just now coming to a close.
Grassett, who became Hancock’s road agent on Feb. 1, 1998, and became the DPW director after Hancock transitioned to a Department of Public Works about eight years ago. He recently told town officials that he would be retiring from the Department of Public Works so he can focus on his blossoming home inspection business, Norway Hill Home Inspections. While July 1 is his last scheduled day, Grassett has said he would be willing to work part time through the transition.
“When I took that first job, it was supposed to be temporary,” said Grassett. “But I feel in love with the field. I love working for the people.”
Hancock’s Select Board is now working to replace Grassett.
The board is accepting applications through Wednesday, according to Select Board meeting minutes.
“He is very highly regarded and good at his job,” said Town Administrator Diane Kendall recently. “We are sad to see him go.”
Grassett said his work as Hancock’s DPW director has brought him nothing but joy over the past 18 years, but he has decided to step away to spend more time developing his business.
“I always had a vision that I wanted to start my own business,” said Grassett, who began his business venture about three years ago. “It was about a year ago when I got to the point where I realized I could no longer do both jobs effectively.”
In addition to fighting to work two jobs, Grassett said he also knew it was time to move on, as he grew tired of the ever-growing mountain of paperwork on his desk.
“We used to be able to work, but now we have to fill out mountains of paperwork,” said Grassett, in regards to the numerous state and federal regulations he has to deal with. “It’s over-regulated and really burdensome. It’s been two to three years since I’ve been able to even sit in the grader.”
Despite moving on to his own business, Grassett admits he will always have a soft spot in his heart for his former job, serving his hometown.
“I’m really going to miss the people,” said Grassett. “The people in this town made my job really enjoyable.”
Looking back on his past 18 years with the town, Grassett said he is most proud of the Main Street rehabilitation project, which reworked the streetscape by adding traffic calming, new sidewalks, and other elements.
“It was really fun and interesting to work with people’s different visions and create something people will see for years to come,” said Grassett, who called the project the most challenging and rewarding project he has worked on. “We planted trees that won’t mature until my children’s children walk down Main Street.”
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 .