News  OIG Finds That Selectman Violated His Duties To His Town

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) found that a current member of the West Newbury Board of Selectmen had accrued more than $29,000 in debt to the town over a number of years for unpaid health insurance premiums. This selectman violated his duties of care to the town by knowingly failing to pay his health insurance premiums. Other select board members neglected their responsibilities to protect the public interest by failing to take corrective action with their fellow selectman. Other town employees repeatedly tried to get the selectman to pay his debt but, because of his position of authority and without support from the other selectman, they were unable to do so.

After town officials learned of the OIG’s investigation, the Selectman repaid the town. The OIG recommended that the town revise its policies and procedures to include clear and precise parameters for participation in the town’s health insurance program. Further, the OIG recommended that the Board of Selectmen attend trainings on fiduciary duties and responsibilities of public boards.

For additional information, see our letter to the West Newbury Town Manager.