Middleboro utility board ratifies Granahan separation agreement
Former general manager’s resignation took effect Aug. 7
Middleboro Gas & Electric General Manager John Granahan Jr. has a salary that's higher than any other general manager of a municipal utility in the state.
MIDDLEBORO —
Gas & Electric Commissioners met for two hours behind closed doors on Wednesday before ratifying in open session a July 31 separation agreement with John P. Granahan, 65, who resigned as general manager.
Granahan’s resignation as general manager triggered a seven-day right of rescission under the Older Americans Act and was not effective until Aug. 7, said Chairman John F. Healey.
Granahan’s $223,373 buyout fell short of the $1 million potential that was provided in his “evergreen” contract negotiated by a prior board of commissioners Healey explained.
“It wouldn’t be productive to have John Granahan continue to work for the current board,” said Healey when he released the terms of the agreement.
A round of applause greeted the commissioners unanimous vote to promote Jacqueline Crowley from power supply manager to interim general manager for up to a year with a $155,000 salary and four weeks vacation. Under the board’s plan, Crowley will fill both positions, which Healey said will allow the utility to recoup Granahan’s buyout within a year and not cause a rate increase.
Crowley, 50, of Barnstable, has been with the town-owned utility since 2006 and was making $115,000 before the promotion. In an Aug. 2 letter to the board, Crowley outlined her goals as general manager.
“A critical area of focus should be fostering a more collegial relationship with town offices” said Crowley said . “We must reaffirm our status as a team player.”
Crowley said she would like to develop a relationship with the School Department, and possibly establish a renewable energy program for upper grade levels.
Crowley said the protracted stalemate between Granahan and commissioners has lead to a tarnished reputation of G&E employees which had a demoralizing effect.
“With a careful transition – we, senior management and commissioners can affirm the commitment to support, empower and educate employees,” she said. “Middleboro is well positioned to go forward to provide safe, reliable and reasonable priced service.”
Granahan’s resignation as general manager triggered a seven-day right of rescission under the Older Americans Act and was not effective until Aug. 7, said Chairman John F. Healey.
Granahan’s $223,373 buyout fell short of the $1 million potential that was provided in his “evergreen” contract negotiated by a prior board of commissioners Healey explained.
“It wouldn’t be productive to have John Granahan continue to work for the current board,” said Healey when he released the terms of the agreement.
A round of applause greeted the commissioners unanimous vote to promote Jacqueline Crowley from power supply manager to interim general manager for up to a year with a $155,000 salary and four weeks vacation. Under the board’s plan, Crowley will fill both positions, which Healey said will allow the utility to recoup Granahan’s buyout within a year and not cause a rate increase.
Crowley, 50, of Barnstable, has been with the town-owned utility since 2006 and was making $115,000 before the promotion. In an Aug. 2 letter to the board, Crowley outlined her goals as general manager.
“A critical area of focus should be fostering a more collegial relationship with town offices” said Crowley said . “We must reaffirm our status as a team player.”
Crowley said she would like to develop a relationship with the School Department, and possibly establish a renewable energy program for upper grade levels.
Crowley said the protracted stalemate between Granahan and commissioners has lead to a tarnished reputation of G&E employees which had a demoralizing effect.
“With a careful transition – we, senior management and commissioners can affirm the commitment to support, empower and educate employees,” she said. “Middleboro is well positioned to go forward to provide safe, reliable and reasonable priced service.”
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