WESTFORD — The Town of Westford has named two assistant town managers set to begin their roles later this month.
A job listing for the role was posted on Dec. 19, 2023 after former Assistant Town Manger Eric Heideman resigned from his role on Dec. 11, 2023.
According to an email to town staff, boards and committee members obtained by WestfordCAT, Town Manager Kristen Las confirmed that current Director of Land Use Management Jeffrey Morrissette has been promoted to Assistant Town Manager of Land Use and Economic Development and begin his new role on March 18.
Michael Edwards, current Public Services Manager with the University of Massachusetts Boston Collins Center was hired as Assistant Town Manager of Strategic Operations and begin his role on March 25.
Edwards will manage the Veteran’s Agent, Animal Control Officer and Sustainability Coordinator. He will also be responsible for general insurance, solid waste and recycling and act as a liaison with public facilities.
Morrissette will continue to manage the Land Use Management department and will support economic development efforts, budget creation and other special projects, according to the email.
Both positions will assist with labor and business contracts, as well as town meeting preparations.
‘Budget neutral’ impact during hiring freeze
Las told WestfordCAT that the move to two assistant town managers is “budget neutral,” as the Director of Land Use Management position will not be backfilled. Additionally, the town has been under a hiring freeze for FY24 since Jan. 31.
“As of Jan. 31, I sent a direction to department heads that we are currently under a hiring freeze for fiscal 24,” Las said during a Feb. 13 Select Board meeting. “That is to limit our exposure if the override does not pass or if we have to make further cuts related to an override.”
She added, “I am reviewing all positions very carefully when department heads bring them forward. Is it a mission critical position or is it something that can wait until we understand what our budget situation is after March 23 and May 7.”
Finances behind each role
According to the Town of Westford’s pay classification plan approved last year, both the positions of Assistant Town Manager and Director of Land Use Management fall within the same salary band — between $118,514 to $148,141 per year.
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The Town of Westford budgeted $133,674 for the role of Director of Land Use Management in FY24, according to the town’s budget.
According to a statewide payroll database updated every two weeks, Edwards currently makes $108,712 per year in his current role at UMass Boston.
The town budgeted $146,954 for the role of Assistant Town Manager in FY24. This base salary budget is expected to increase to $149,893 in FY25 — regardless if voters approve a Proposition 2 1/2 override at Annual Town Meeting.
