Peterborough’s town administrator, Nicole MacStay, was placed on administrative leave.
Select Board Chair Tyler Ward confirmed the leave on Oct. 30, Friday morning, but would not disclose why or how long the leave will remain in effect. Ward said he couldn’t comment on personnel matters.
Assistant Town Administrator Seth MacLean confirmed on Monday he is serving as interim town administrator.
Ward did not respond to requests for comment on Monday morning.
The Select Board held a non-public meeting at 4 p.m. on Friday under RSA 91-A:3, II(a), which applies to personnel matters involving the “dismissal, promotion, or compensation of any public employee or the disciplining of such employee, or the investigation of any charges against him or her.”
The town website did not list where the non-public select board meeting was held.
MacStay has been town administrator since Jan. 2021 and worked for the town for 14 years before that as assistant town administrator and deputy town administrator.
As stated on the Peterborough Town Website, the town administrator serves as chief administrative officer of the town, overseeing all departments, personnel, finances and purchasing policies. She also represents the town.
“She performs the duties of the position independently on her own initiative, determining situations warranting the Select Board’s attention and presenting recommendations for corrective actions,” the website states.
Over the past five years, MacStay has overseen dozens of projects, including the completion of the Main Street bridge replacement, US Route 202 reconstruction, the Peterborough Town Library expansion and the new Peterborough fire and rescue station, which plans to open later this month.
MacStay could not be immediately reached for comment.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.