High Marks and a Raise in Bill Keegan's First Town Manager Evaluation

A year on the job and Town Manager Bill Keegan is getting high marks and a raise from the Foxborough Board of Selectmen.

After his first performance review, the board voted 4-0 to give Keegan a 4.5 percent raise. Selectman John Gray was not present for the vote but had expressed his support for a 3.5 percent raise prior to the meeting.

The raise increases Keegan’s salary $172,380 to $172,380 effective July 1.

Keegan thanked the board for the rave review, telling the selectmen it’s been a pleasure working with them for the past year.

“It’s been a tremendous experience. I know it’s not devoid of controversies, but we’re trying to work through that. I’m really pleased with the staff,” Keegan said. “We’re not always going to agree on things, but we’re going to do it professionally and on behalf of what’s best for the town.

In a summary of the evaluation conducted by assistant town manager Mary Beth Bernard, Keegan exceeded expectations in almost every category and aspect of the job. In the evaluation, one selectman said Keegan “possessed strong leadership skills and has earned the respect of Foxborough’s employees and citizens.”

In planning and organizing, he was praised for the formation of the Town Hall Working Group and the creation of the combined facility and maintenance program with the school department.

In communications and community relations, he exceeded expectations, with the evaluation nothing that he takes the high road.

In the category of problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making, one selectman wrote, “he diffuses situations by learning the facts and bringing the groups together.”

When it came to personal, professional, and organizational integrity, one selectman wrote, “he’s honorable in conducting business and using fair and unbiased judgment. Always advocating what is best for Foxborough.”

Keegan also exceeded expectations in cross-department organizational management and was commended for gaining the confidence of the board, town employees, and residents,

While discussing the salary increase, selectman Jim DeVellis was initially unprepared to discuss a raise but later supported the 4.5 percent increase after Keegan said he would settle for 4 percent.

“If you earn it and you’re worth it, you should take it. That takes us out of a bind, but it’s not being fair to you,” DeVellis said.

Ginny Coppola remarked on the difference in the working environment since the arrival of Keegan.

“It was dysfunctional at best, and I think you have lived up to your resume so I have no problem voting tonight,” she said.

Funding for a raise was placed in the fiscal year 2016 budget, which will be voted on at the Annual Town Meeting in May.