Kingston: Town Administrator, Selectmen agree on terms of resignation

Kingston Selectmen have accepted the resignation of Town Administrator James Thomas.

Union representative and Kingston police sergeant Susan Munford publicly criticized Thomas, then won election as selectman. She recused herself from deliberations Monday night. Selectmen posted the meeting only in the Town House and met briefly in executive session.

Chairman of Selectmen Joe Casna and the town’s labor counsel John Clifford announced the decision.

“Mr. Thomas has, in effect, resigned as Town Administrator and we have come to an agreement to release him from his contract,” Casna said.

“Jim Thomas was placed on paid administrative leave on June 7th,” Clifford said. “The board entered into negotiations for the termination of his contract. The board has reached agreement.”

The four participating board members voted unanimously and without discussion.

When Selectmen signed the contract with Thomas, Oct. 4, 2011, they agreed to give him eight weeks of severance pay should the parties terminate the contract. The negotiated agreement, effective July 2, gives Thomas four months severance pay, $47,387. The town agreed to pay Thomas a salary of $119,500 a year.

The agreement states Thomas has not, and will not, receive any other benefits from the town. It also states none of the parties will make further comment.

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