Stoughton Considering Settlement With Ex-Town Manager Hartman

STOUGHTON, MA — Town officials are considering a settlement out of court with former Town Manager Michael Hartman, following his wrongful termination lawsuit against the Board of Selectmen making its way to the Massachusetts Appeals Court.

In May 2018, a Norfolk Superior Court Judge dismissed Hartman's lawsuit, but Hartman has since appealed. A retired appellate court justice is overseeing settlement discussions between the town and Hartman, Selectmen Chair Robert O'Regan told the Brockton Enterprise. O'Regan confirmed there has already been one settlement discussion since the Superior Court Ruling, and told the Enterprise the town is interested in settlements that benefit Stoughton's tax payers.

Hartman's attorney, Robert Hennigan Jr. was not immediately available for comment.

Hartman lost his job on July 1, 2017 when is contract wasn't renewed. He claimed that the Stoughton Town Charter allowed him to remain as town manager until four selectmen voted to discharge him. The initial vote in December 2016 was a 3-2 vote.

Board members who supported not renewing Hartman's contract and town attorneys argued Hartman was given six months notice that his contract wasn't renewed, which they said was sufficient under the town charter. O’Regan told the other selectmen that failing to get a fourth vote would expose the town to potential litigation, but a new vote was never called upon. Hartman then filed a lawsuit against the town in July 2017.

READ MORE

• Ex-Town Manager's Lawsuit Against Stoughton Dismissed
• Michael Hartman Locked Out Of Town Hall Office
• Selectmen Chairman Defends Decision To Appoint Interim Town Manager
• WATCH: Selectmen Replace Hartman As Town Manager During Heated Meeting
• Hartman Files Lawsuit Against Town, Selectmen

Patch reached out to Selectmen Chair Bob O'Regan and will update this story following a response.

Photo by Jimmy Bentley