Joseph Byk, a former longtime Peterborough selectman has been named Rindge’s newest town administrator.
“We thought that he was a good fit for the town,” said Selectwoman Roberta Oeser. “His overall background is great. We look forward to working with him.”
Byk was scheduled to be introduced to residents at Wednesday night’s Select Board meeting. Byk will work 30 hours per week.
In a prepared statement, Byk said he looks forward to working with the “very intelligent and dedicated staff” he met during the interview process. Byk declined a phone interview with the Ledger-Transcript.
Byk also said he hopes to add value to the town by “bringing a fresh set of eyes” to the town’s systems and procedures.
The town has been searching for a town administrator since Feb. 24, after Jane Pitt resigned. Pitt announced her resignation publicly during a March 9 Select Board meeting.
“There have been attacks on my character and I find it to be unacceptable,” said Pitt during the meeting. “I’m at an age where I won’t put up with it.”
Throughout the summer, the town has operated without a town administrator, with the Select Board, Finance Director Ellen Smith, and former Executive Secretary Katy Robbins all stepping up to shoulder the load.
“Byk brings to the position his varied experience in municipal government,” read the town’s release. “Byk also has a background in management and contract negotiation; skills that will be used well in his new position. The board feels that he will be a great asset to the town.”
In addition to serving as a selectman in Peterborough, Byk also served as the town’s counsel for a decade, and had also served on the town’s zoning board. Byk is currently working with the Hannah Grimes Center in Keene on collaborative regional economic development.
After Pitt’s resignation, the Select Board created a community-driven search committee. By the beginning of July, the committee had narrowed the search down to three candidates from 10.
After each candidate had been interviewed, the board called Byk back for a second interview. On July 29, the board agreed that Byk was the right candidate for the job.
“The person we have chosen is experienced and knowledgeable with a great background,” said board chair Bob Hamilton.
Oeser said Wednesday morning that Byk was expected to sign his contract in the near future, potentially at Wednesday night’s Select Board meeting.
Oeser declined to comment on the specifics of the contract until it had been signed. Oeser said Byk would be paid as a town employee and receive some benefits, which is different than Pitt’s arrangement, as she was considered a contractor and did not receive any benefits.
This year’s budget has about $38,000 in a line item that could pay his salary and benefits.
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com. He is also on Twitter @nhandyMLT.