Peterborough Recreation Director Jeffrey King is on paid administrative leave, town officials confirmed last week.
“We are in the process of investigating some concerns that were brought to our attention and hopefully, we’ll have that finalized soon,” Town Administrator Rodney Bartlett said last Tuesday.
On July 23, Bartlett confirmed King was on leave, but citing that it is a personnel matter would not say when the leave started. He said King would remain on leave throughout a review process into “concerns” that were brought to town officials about King.
“Certainly any concern or complaints are taken seriously and we go through an extensive process to confirm the validity of any complaint,” Bartlett said.
Bartlett said he could not comment on the nature of the “concern” raised or further elaborate on why King was placed on leave.
King has worked for the town since April 2003. His department employs two full-time year-round staff, and three part-time year-round staff, and 43 seasonal employees. His annual salary is $78,561.
Selectman Bill Taylor and Selectwoman Karen Hatcher said last week that they would not comment on the matter because it is a personnel issue. Selectman Tyler Ward did not return voice messages.
Hatcher said, in general, when a complaint is registered against a town employee, the process is to have town employees such as Bartlett or Deputy Town Administrator Nicole MacStay investigate and interview all parties involved.
“There is a process that they follow,” Hatcher said.
According to the town’s Employee Manual, employee grievances against a department director must be submitted to the town administrator within five working days. The town administrator must then render a written decision within 10 working days from when the grievance was received.
MacStay would not confirm whether the town would submit a decision within 10 days, nor when the town began the investigation.
If no decision is reached, or the employee does not agree with the decision of the town administrator, the complainant may request the matter be submitted to the Select Board, which can review written briefs or oral arguments within 15 calendar days, and can submit a final decision within 15 days of their final meeting on the matter.
As of press time Monday, King was still on paid leave, MacStay said.