In Plymouth, the recent amendment of Town Manager Melissa Arrighi’s contract, which concludes her service almost a year earlier than planned, raises some questions.
Bobbi Clark files this report.
Selectman Chair Dick Quintal says the discussion to change the Town Manager’s contract began with her.
“Just walked up to me and said I’m seriously thinking about – retiring is the word she used – or amending her contract so she could leave early – a year early,” said Quintal.
That contract is for five years. It was set to expire in 2023.
“Which is something I haven’t seen previously in my tenure – 12 years on the Board — they’ve always been three,” said Quintal. “I believe it was Selectman [Tony] Provenzano and [Shelagh] Joyce who actually crafted this present contract.”
So, above what this contract calls for, has any additional compensation been negotiated?
“The terms of her contact will be honored without additional payout,” said Quintal.
But, it is possible that the contract contains a clause providing for:
“I believe one of the provisions is a week of salary for every year credited in her term in Plymouth,” said Quintal.
Selectman Quintal remembers Melissa Arrighi’s early days with the town, when she started as the Assistant Town Manager.
“She came on board in ’04, and at that time I believe, it was Mark Sylvia who was the Town Manager. And I remember it, because I’m the one that actually drove Melissa around to the different departments, DPW—and she’s always remembered that,” said Quintal. “She’s done a lot of good for this community. She’s strong. She’s energetic. She’s very intelligent, and I wish her the very best. I really do.”
