Finance Director will Serve as Interim Town Administrator During Search

The town’s Finance Director, James Lathrop, will lead Portsmouth during the town’s search for a new Town Administrator.

Lathrop, who is in the running for the job himself, was chosen by the Portsmouth Town Council in a 6-1 vote last week to serve as interim Town Administrator during the transition period.

Departing Town Administrator John Klimm, is leaving to become the administrator of Aiken, South Carolina and will be sworn in on April 27.

The search for a new administrator began shortly after Klimm announced his decision not to seek a contract renewal earlier this year. A total of 57 initial resumes were scored and the top 20 were asked to answer an essay question. Of those, 14 responded and the top 10 remaining candidates were in the midst of being interviewed by phone last week.

Town Council President Keith Hamilton said that after the phone interviews, a citizens committee and professional panel will meet on May 1 and final interviews by the Town Council will be on May 2.

“Depending on the candidate, we could have someone as early as. . .about a month from now,” Hamilton said at the council’s April 13 meeting.

But the final candidate might still have to give notice to an employer and the process could take a bit longer, necessitating the need for the council to appoint an interim administrator. The Portsmouth town charter states that the town shall have an administrator.

There was a brief discussion about the appropriateness of Lathrop to get the interim administrator title if he is in the running for a job.

The matter was raised by Councilwoman Elizabeth Pedro, who said she thought there might be an ethical dilemma or the appointment could give Lathrop an unfair advantage.

Hamilton, who ended up being the lone vote against Lathrop’s appointment, said he shared those concerns, nothing it was nothing personal at all.

Councilman James Seveney said that Lathrop should serve in the interim role for a few reasons. For one, it wouldn’t cost the town any extra money. Lathrop also is involved in the day-to-day operations of the town and it would ensure a smooth transition. Meanwhile the deputy director could take over Lathrop’s director role.

“We know Mr. Lathrop and believe he’d adequately cover the position until it is permanently filled,” Seveney said.

Town Solicitor Kevin Gavin said he didn’t see any legal problem with Lathrop covering while he’s a candidate. His temporary appointment would simply serve to stay within the confines of the charter, he said.