ATHOL — The departure of Treasurer/Collector Eileen Bristol has created a staff shortage and the need for a temporary reduction in public office hours.
Athol Town Manager Shaun A. Suhoski said the office will open at 9 a.m., instead of 8 a.m., to give staff members enough time to perform their increased daily tasks. The new schedule began Monday and will continue until a replacement is hired. The office closes at 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays. Town Hall hours will not be affected. Town Hall is closed Fridays.
Bristol accepted a tax collector position in Marlborough. May 12 was her final day in Athol.
“(The temporary hours) will provide the staff some time without interruption at the desk to keep up to date as best they can,” Suhoski said.
Suhoski said, 20 people applied for the position by the May 12 deadline. Suhoski and others reviewed the résumés and they have begun scheduling interviews with qualified candidates.
Suhoski said he hopes to hire someone for the job around July 5.
Assistant Treasurer Bridget Jowder and Assistant Collector Susan Sargent will temporarily inherit some additional responsibilities. Suhoski said he negotiated with their union and each will receive a $100-per-week stipend from May 16 until a new treasurer/collector is hired.