MONTAGUE — Town residents will soon be without the treasurer/tax collector they have been accustomed to for the past 25 years.
Earlier this month, the Montague Board of Selectmen accepted with regret Patricia A. Dion’s announcement of retirement, effective Nov. 30. Town Administrator Frank Abbondanzio said Dion is retiring after “25 years of wonderful service.”
“She will be missed,” he said.
Board Chairman Richard Kuklewicz asked Abbondanzio if Dion’s retirement will result in an election to replace her. Abbondanzio said he has spoken with town counsel and learned the selectmen will have to appoint someone temporarily until the annual election in May 2017. He also said the treasurer/tax collector must be a town resident. The temporary appointee can run for the position in their own right, if they chose.
Abbondanzio said there are 2 years remaining on the current treasurer/tax collector. He said this term must run its course even if the position eventually becomes one appointed by the municipality, a route Abbondanzio said is a lengthy process that includes being voted on at town meeting.
Dion could not be reached for comment. Executive Assistant Wendy Bogusz said on Thursday that Dion is on vacation and will return to work on Tuesday.
You can reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 258. On Twitter: @DomenicPoli