Town Manager’s Abrupt Resignation. Does It Matter?

Sean Hendricks abruptly resigned as Millbury's Town Manager on August 2, 2023, sparking curiosity and speculation on social media and within the community due to the suddenness of his departure without customary notice or transition. However, in the grand scheme of things, the cause of his resignation might not be of significant importance if it does not expose the town to any liability. Instead of dwelling on the past, it is probably best to focus on the future, learning from past experiences, and moving forward.

Now, the crucial next steps involve finding someone or a group of individuals who can do more than simply maintain the status quo (“a keeping the lights on approach”) during the search for a qualified new town manager with the necessary experience and skills. The priority is to identify a candidate who is committed to exceeding residents' expectations in a professional manner. We are in need of an individual who can set practical expectations and consistently surpass them in both performance and results, coupled with transparency, exceptional communication skills, and genuine honesty, without any hint of "passive aggression."

Considering the presence of several significant and costly ongoing projects, it becomes essential to ensure their efficient management, avoiding potential cost overruns or delays. Recognizing the complexity of these endeavors, it is reasonable to expect that new individuals may require time to familiarize themselves with the tasks at hand. Therefore, appointing an interim town manager without the necessary skill set or experience could potentially lead to unforeseen issues.

Selecting an interim town manager should be a thoughtful process and not a hasty decision made just to fill the void. It is crucial not to elevate anyone without the essential skills and a proven track record of performance in this specific role.

The town's priority should be to choose a capable and experienced candidate to effectively manage these projects while running the day-to-day operations of the town and ensure the community's best interests are served. The focus should be on finding the right fit to lead the town rather than fixating on the reasons behind Sean Hendricks' abrupt resignation without the customary notice or transition.

The community places its trust in the Board of Selectmen to guide us through this transition with a proactive approach, keeping us well-informed through open communication and transparency. The purpose of electing the Board of Selectmen was to have strong and thoughtful leadership, which is precisely what the town needs at this moment. Both honesty and transparency are essential not only in the present but also as we move forward. The time has come to alter the course we've been following with town managers coming and going, often without explanations for sudden departures, and in certain instances, accompanied by payouts. To ensure our town's stability and build a strong foundation for the future, it is crucial to hire, elect, and appoint the right individuals to key positions. These competent individuals ought to embrace a root cause methodology when confronting obstacles and promptly deal with any employees or appointees who are not meeting their responsibilities as dedicated and professional public servants. Town employees and appointees should prioritize customer service with unwavering attention.

The Board of Selectmen added this topic to their meeting agenda for Tuesday, August 8, 2023, starting at 6:00 PM. The meeting will be held at the Millbury Town Hall, situated at 127 Elm Street in Millbury, Massachusetts. Residents are welcome to attend either in person or virtually via Zoom (Meeting ID: 831 3622 2882).