The Greenfield Select Board has agreed to a three-year contract extension for Town Administrator Aaron Patt.
Patt’s contract was made official on March 29, and runs through June 30, 2019. Board chair Margaret Charig Bliss said the contract extends to June so the town doesn’t run into an uncomfortable position in the future.
“There was a lot of awkward timing this year, as his contract ran up on March 7,” said Charig Bliss, in an interview Wednesday. “We were heading into Town Meeting, and there was an article dealing with making a change to the position.”
Patt’s contract will pay him $59,977 in the first year, with annual increases to be reviewed by the Select Board. Charig Bliss said Patt’s contract is largely similar to his previous contract, but language was added to give Patt four months severance pay if he is terminated or his position is changed by Town Meeting vote. If Patt is terminated by the board for cause, then he is not entitled to compensation, but the same compensation applies without cause.
Patt approached the board prior to Town Meeting, according to Charig Bliss, saying he didn’t feel comfortable going into Town Meeting without a contract in place. Charig Bliss said the board also felt uncomfortable about the situation, not wanting to make the town commit to such a major expense prior to Town Meeting. The board eventually agreed to a March 31, extension with Patt.
Charig Bliss said she would not comment on the specifics of the negotiation process, but did say she thinks “all parties are comfortable with the contract now,” despite there being some “uncomfortable” moments. In an interview Wednesday afternoon, Patt said he was “excited” to have the new contract in place.
“It’s always nice to have people want to renew your contract,” said Patt. “I’m very pleased about it.”
Patt said he looks forward to working with the Select Board in the future, carrying out its plans and wishes. Patt said the two sides are still working to establish an addendum to the contract, outlining performance measurements that would outline expectations for the position moving forward.
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com.