Separation Agreement Gives Ex-Town Manager Bill Ross a Year's Salary

MANSFIELD, MA — Former Town Manager Bill Ross will receive compensation from the town through a separation agreement.

In the deal, Ross will receive $164,772.22 plus heath benefits, which are equal to a year's salary. He will receive the payments until March 31, 2018 and health benefits until Dec. 31, 2018. By accepting the deal, Ross agrees not to make any statements disparaging the town and the selectmen.

The terms of the separation agreement were detailed in the selectmen's March 10 and 15 executive minutes and were obtained at the town clerk's office at Town Hall.

The agreement was approved by the selectmen 4-1. Selectman Steve Schoonveld, the only board member to vote against the package.

"While I agreed with the desire to renegotiate the contract, I strongly feel that we should not be spending a dime more than obligated at a time when our budgets are strained and we are unable to hire the staff positions we need. I have vowed to make good use of taxpayer funds and believe that every budget dollar should be well spent," Schoonveld said in a statement.

Ross leaves Mansfield with two years left on his contract. Ross and the board have not given a reason for the sudden departure. His last day was March 31.

Town Finance Director and Town Accountant John Stanbrook is serving as the interim town manager as the town searches for a permanent candidate.

Image: File Photo