BERNARDSTON — Since Lou Bordeaux retired as Bernardston’s town coordinator in November 2023, he’s had the chance to experience a different way of life and learn about himself along the way.
“I had found that the biggest lesson in being retired was that I didn’t want to be retired,” Bordeaux, 66, said on Wednesday.
That’s why Bernardston residents will soon find Bordeaux back in Town Hall, filling the seat vacated by Town Administrator Karen Kelly, who had announced near the end of last year her plans to leave the role to spend more time with family. Kelly’s last day will be April 30, and Bordeaux’s first day back will be April 13, allowing time for Kelly to teach him about any responsibilities that might have changed since 2023.
“It’s gonna be an exciting time to step back,” said Bordeaux, who has been going through past meeting minutes to get up to speed, as well as attending Finance Committee meetings to learn about the development of the fiscal year 2027 budget.
“It should be a fairly quick transition, I think,” Selectboard Chair Brian Keir said during the March 18 meeting. He added that Bordeaux “knows the town players.”
As town administrator, Bordeaux will also hold the responsibilities of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator, affirmative action officer, chief procurement officer, environmental certifying officer and public records access officer for Bernardston, Keir said. Although the position was formerly “town coordinator” in title, Bordeaux mentioned a study that was conducted prior to his retirement had found that he was doing much of the work of a town administrator at the time.
“It’s a little more involved than it had been in the past,” Bordeaux said, mentioning his five-page job description, “but having done this kind of municipal management … I’m very confident that the town will be in good hands.”
The full-time, 40-hour-per-week position carries an annual salary of $72,000. According to Keir, 14 candidates had applied. The three Selectboard members reviewed each application to narrow the pool and ultimately conducted interviews with two finalists.
Before he was town coordinator for five years, Bordeaux served on Bernardston’s Selectboard from 2012 to 2015. He holds an appreciation for roles that have allowed him to better understand the inner workings of town government.
“Being a taxpayer here in town, it’s a great vehicle to really get an understanding of how your tax dollars are being spent, which is why I ran for selectman back in 2012,” he recounted. “It’s an insight, and I really wish a lot more people would be willing to volunteer time and perhaps get involved. … We are able to move the dial on our own destiny by getting involved in our own town politics.”
Even during retirement, area residents may have encountered Bordeaux in his capacity as part of the coaching staff for Greenfield High School’s ice hockey team — he just wrapped up his 12th season — and as a commentator at Pioneer Valley Regional School sporting events for Bernardston-Northfield Community Television (BNCTV). He also lends a hand with the beloved Bernardston Gas Engine Show, Flea Market & Craft Fair, which is celebrating its 50th year.
As he returns to Town Hall, Bordeaux said he’s looking forward to getting “back into the swing of things,” with the goal of helping the town’s employees and volunteers secure what they need to do their jobs most effectively.
“I want to really keep the ball rolling,” he said. “There’s always a lot of things that need to be done.”
One part of town that’s top of mind for Bordeaux is Brattleboro Road (Route 5), which he said is in “dire need of full repaving.” He said the Selectboard has encouraged residents to reach out to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation about improving the state highway, and he plans to communicate with the department as well.
In deciding to step back into town government, Bordeaux said the community aspect of the town administrator’s position was one of the things he has missed the most.
“A lot of the locals would always want to stop and chat and have a nice conversation, and really, I miss that,” he said. “I miss my friends and neighbors, and to have the opportunity to do a service to them is really a special feeling for me.”
