The Town Administrator Search Committee received 340 responses, with 135 written comments, to its community survey, with many residents expressing the importance of the next town administrator to have financial knowledge.

“This was all pretty expected,” said Chair Heather Roman. “Ultimately it is to help us when we go through the candidates.”

The search and survey follow former Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald’s resignation in late 2024. Although his contract was set to expire in June, Fitzgerald agreed to take a paid leave of absence during his final months.

The Town Administrator Search Committee was established to solicit and evaluate applications for the lead position. The five-member committee has met regularly since late February.

Of the survey respondents, 62.4% identified as female. Age distribution was relatively even, with 22.1% between 55 and 64, 25.9% between 45-54, 25.3% between 35 and 44, and 16.5% between 18 and 24.

Residents were asked to rank a variety of characteristics for the town administrator for what they saw as most essential. Options included admitting mistakes, collaboration, communication, data driven, leadership, organizational and strategic. Transparency emerged as the most essential quality, closely followed by financial expertise.

“No more hidden agendas,” one response read, “and no more kicking the can down the road.”

However, financial management was considered the top priority for the next town administrator. Education and infrastructure were also seen as important. Other options were climate action, community spirit, public safety, youth recreation and housing.

As for the written responses, many noted the need for more transparency. One respondent asked for “no more closed meetings that should be open,” while another called for a focus on hiring someone that is “easily approachable.”

“The last town administrator was not the most respectful to resident (sic) to support transparency and consistent with open dialog,” one response read. “I hope this next town administrator will be focused on the residence since that is who they service.”

There were a few responses focused on “coastal resiliency” and fixing the beaches. Respondents also had varying opinions on development, as some suggested to “divest Hawthorne property (sic)” while others said to “carry out strategy for reuse of Hadley and Hawthorne properties.”

“Stop spending our money so freely,” one respondent wrote. “I am preparing to move away.”

One person advocated for interim Town Administrator Gino Cresta to be hired.

“Pls just hire a very dedicated, informed, devoted, 24/7, honest Gino!!!!!” the response read.

The survey results will help the Town Administrator Search Committee craft interview questions for the candidates.

Rick White, of Groux White Consulting, said he received 32 responses to the town administrator job posting. He spoke with each applicant for approximately an hour to an hour and a half.

“I’m going to ask you to seriously consider 12 responses that I think could perform as town administrator,” White said Tuesday. “There are three others that I think you should at least be aware of.”

The additional 17 applications will still be provided to the committee, and White said it is within their “privilege and prerogative” to still disagree with his assessments.

The Town Administrator Search Committee is scheduled to meet again on Tuesday, July 15, to discuss candidates and interview questions. White said he expects the committee will interview eight to ten people overall, which may take three to four days to complete.

The following week, they will interview candidates, with the hope that they will have three to five suggested candidates to present to the Select Board by Friday, July 25. 

“I think you’re going to have at least four or five great candidates,” White said.

White will then conduct an “extensive background check” on each of the final candidates. He will also contact 15 to 20 references for each candidate. 

The three to five candidates will be presented to the Select Board on August 7 or 8.

“The Select Board has a tight schedule from when they are told the candidates to when they hire. That’s in the bylaw,” Roman said.