Markel extends stay as interim administrator
Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer
TEMPLETON What began as a six-month commitment has developed into an extended residency for interim Town Administrator Bob Markel, who this week signed a contract that will see him stay for another year.
"I just want to say that I think the last few months have certainly been interesting," Mr. Markel told selectmen.
During his yearlong tenure in Templeton, Mr. Markel said he has worked to resolve many of the town's previous fiscal problems, including using free cash to balance the operating budget. He has also worked to increase communication between departments.
"I do believe that in working together and including the Advisory Board we've been able to bring some stability to the town's finances," Mr. Markel said.
Selectmen Chairman John Columbus said Mr. Markel's leadership during the financial crisis has been a boon to the town and that the board looks forward to working with him for another year.
"We have this ship going in the right direction," Mr. Columbus commented. "But we still have a ways to go."
Over the next few months, Mr. Markel will have a full plate as the financial management team works toward reconstructing the town's financial records from fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2014 so they can be audited. After the audit is completed later this year, the town will have its bond rating restored and will finally have access to about $750,000 in free cash currently being withheld by the state Department of Revenue.
Mr. Markel will also play a large role as the town mounts another search for a permanent, full-time administrator. Last May, after a monthlong search, four finalists for the position were passed over in favor of retaining Mr. Markel for another year. The administrator said he will likely enlist the help of a consultant to attract qualified candidates.
Accepting the position in February last year, Mr. Markel was hired to replace former Town Coordinator Jeff Ritter. Mr. Markel helped steer the town through the fallout of a $505,000 budget shortfall and has taken steps to ensure the town is back on sound financial footing.
Mr. Markel has lived and worked in Massachusetts all his life, serving first in Springfield as chairman of the School Committee, then city councillor and eventually mayor for several years. He worked as town administrator in Norfolk and later town manager of Ipswich before retiring and taking up part-time, interim positions in Northfield and Templeton.
Thank you Mr. Markel for staying another year, and for the work you have done to help the Town get on a solid footing. Thankfully our Town, did not find ourselves in as bad a bind as Winchendon found themselves. Believe me, we would have been in the same boat if the changes in town government did not take place when it did. In the near future, the people in our Town will need to make a decision about whether to build a new school or not. This is going to be a decision that will impact every family that lives in our Town. I hope people will ask questions and not be afraid to speak up. Our Town needs input from everyone, so if you have questions don't be afraid to ask. I know Mr. Markel would be happy to give you a answer. This Town is only as good as the people who live in it, want it to be. The people in Town Hall work for you, so feel free to ask questions and feel free to volunteer. Bev.
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