Templeton May Hold On To Markel

Templeton May Hold On To Markel Interim town administrator says he's enjoyed working for the town

Tara Vocino Reporter Templeton — Interim Town Administrator Bob Markel will leave it up to the Board of Selectmen to reappoint him. Typically, the town administrator would leave at the end of the fiscal year on July 31, but selectmen have to begin the search soon if Mr. Markel won’t be reappointed. Board of Selectmen Vice Chairwoman Diane Haley Brooks said the board can’t wait much longer if Mr. Markel doesn’t return. “It’s already almost November, and our pickings might be slim-to-none if we wait,” Ms. Haley Brooks said. “I’m concerned, especially since we’re coming into budget season.” Board of Selectmen clerk Doug Morrison added, “This is the time.” Mr. Morrison said the selectmen have to think long-term. She said she prefers that Mr. Markel stays but understands that he is part-time with no disrespect to Mr. Markel. “Want to stay on for good?” she asked. Ms. Haley Brooks said the term “interim” puts Mr. Markel in a box, implying that it’s not a permanent position. According to the town website, “Our Town Administrator is part-time and working very hard to assist with resolving the town’s current issues. Mr. Markel said he enjoys the work in Templeton, and he will leave the decision up to the board. “I have informed the selectmen that I am available to stay longer or to assist them in recruiting a permanent town administrator,” Mr. Markel said. “I will do whichever the board prefers.” He said there is $8,000 in the budget for a search. There are three excellent firms that have a focus on public sector recruitment, but one at UMass Boston is the least expensive, Mr. Markel said. Board of Selectmen Chairman John Columbus thanked Mr. Markel for the progress he’s made, adding he couldn’t have imagined the town would come this far in solving the town’s current issues. Mr. Morrison said Mr. Markel has done a great job. Mr. Columbus advised putting off the search until the next meeting in order to come to an understanding of what the next steps will be. The meeting is rescheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall, 160 Patriots Road, to accommodate for the special Town Meeting, which will be held Monday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Narragansett Regional Middle School. According to the town administrator report, Mr. Markel has spent most of his time recently on the warrant, summaries and motions for the special Town Meeting. To contact the town administrator, contact senior administrative assistant Holly Young through the town’s website form. She will forward the email to Mr. Markel.