On Monday, February 10, the Selectboard will hold a special meeting to further discuss extending the current Town Manager’s contract. In January, by a 3-2 vote, the Selectboard decided not to renew the contract of Town Manager Herb Durfee, when it expires in April. Consequently, the Board would need to hire an interim Town Manager and begin the search for a new Town Manager.
Mr. Durfee wishes to remain as Town Manager of Norwich. He will make a presentation to the Board in public session. This is not a hearing on dismissal. The Town Manager has not been fired. The Selectboard decided not to renew his contract.
In the Selectboard packet, beginning at page 2, are letters from eleven residents praising Mr. Durfee’s and supporting his retention. The Town Manager makes his own case for retention in a letter dated December 15, 2019 in the packet at 17.
Nevertheless, it is difficult to assess the merits of the Selectboard decision. As a personnel matter, discussions occurred in executive session. Unless the Town Manager releases his evaluations, residents do not know what issues concerned the Board. However, Mr. Durfee, in materials beginning at page 19 of the packet, details “Area of improvement identified by the Selectboard”. I will list those in a post tomorrow.