NORTHFIELD — Following Town Administrator Brian Noble’s resignation last week, the Board of Selectmen appointed Paul Boushell of Ashland as interim town administrator effective Jan. 1.
One of two candidates, Boushell acted as town administrator in Tyngsborough for eight years and interim town administrator in Ashburnham. Since then, he’s operated a municipal consulting business.
“I really wanted to come to a smaller New England community, where life moves a little slower and where you can become a part of the community and not just a town administrator,” Boushell said of his interest in Northfield.
The board viewed Boushell as a prime candidate for the position due to his lengthy experience as a town administrator, his professionalism and his knowledge of Massachusetts regulations. Selectman Jack Spanbauer also emphasized the need to get Boushell accustomed to Northfield “as soon as possible because this is the busiest time of year for a town administrator,” given budget and town meeting preparation.
Boushell will act as a consultant to the town until Jan. 1 whenever he’s available and is being hired with the understanding he would continue to the end of the fiscal year, June 30, by which time the Selectboard hopes to have found a permanent administrator. He will be paid at the same rate as Noble, who was paid about $82,000 a year.
Boushell intends to continue the many projects that Noble began, such as Town Hall renovations and purchasing necessary town vehicles.
“I very much look forward to continuing that and working with the great town you have here,” Boushell said to the board on Tuesday.
Boushell plans to move to Northfield, and said he would consider applying to become the permanent town administrator.