Finance Director Contract Approved, Despite Behavior Allegations

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Despite allegations surrounding his behavior, town Finance Director Randy Scollins has signed on to remain in the position through 2020.

The selectmen voted 5-0 to approve a new contract for Scollins, which takes effect retroactively July 2017 and runs through July 2020.

The new deal comes with a 4 percent pay increase, an increase in vacation time from four to 4.6 weeks, and a decrease in sick days from 24 to 15, according to Town Manager Bill Keegan.

The new contract was a welcomed change for resident Heather Harding, who along with other women, made allegations towards Scollins. Harding did not specifically say what Scollins was accused of but thanked the selectmen for the vote.

"On behalf of the women who were here and couldn't make it tonight, I would like to thank the board for addressing our allegations. We're happy to see that additional training has been done, the contract has been revised, apologies have been issued. This matter has been going on for a lot of years, for more than one administration, and we just wanted to take an opportunity to thank this board for their efforts," Harding said.

When resident Deborah Stewart attempted to discuss Scollins' behavior, Keegan said he was unable to speak about personnel matters.

"You gave him a 4 percent raise. In the private sector, I wouldn’t want him fired, but he needs to be held accountable for his behavior," Stewart said.

"You can't go there, I'm sorry," Keegan said.

When asked to discuss specifics following the meeting, Stewart and Harding declined further comment.

Lorraine Brue, a former selectman and current zoning board of appeals member, said she's worked with Scollins for several years and found him to be professional.

"I find it very disturbing that this discussion went as far as it did to even broach that matter. I think that Randy is owed an apology," Brue said.

The only remark on the matter from a selectman came from Chairperson David Feldman who said it was emotional, but they needed to move on.

Scollins has been the town's finance director since 2004.

Image: File Photo