Richardson Resigns; Palmer Named Interim Light Department GM

Tim Richardson, the embattled general manager of the Belmont Municipal Light Department, has resigned effective Tuesday, Oct. 19.

"Tonight we accepted the resignation of Tim Richardson," said Light Board Chairman Ralph Jones after an executive session of the Board . 

"Tim served the department for 15 years and we appreciate all the great work he's done," said Jones. 

The Board then appointed James Palmer, BMLD's director of operation, as interim general manager. Jones said that Palmer has experience running a smaller municipal electrical utility.

"This management depth has enabled the board to move forward with confidence in the future of the department and also gives us an opportunity to promote from within," said Jones

"We believe and hope that this appointment will reestablish civility and confidence and reinsure the Light Department not only for the rate payers of Belmont but also for the hard working employees of that department," he said. 

"We note that there has been some concern on the future of the department and hope that this issue has resolved that concern," concluded Jones.

Jones did not know what the Richardson decision will mean for the future of the proposed electric substation at the Purecoat North location on Hittinger Street. 

The Light Board still has not received a revised financial report on the substation project but Jones does expect them in a couple of days.

Yet the board believes that the Town Meeting could ultimately see the substation brought before them for a funding vote. Jones said it would be prudent for the board to bring the project to a public vote if the financial figures continues to show it would be the most effective way of securing future electrical levels to meet town requirements.