Selectmen Provide Answers on O'Mara's Administrative Leave

The Amherst Board of Selectmen lifted the veil on the paid administrative leave of Town Administrator Jim O'Mara.

The following press release was issued by the board Thursday evening:

The Amherst Board of Selectmen announces the return of James O’Mara, Town Administrator, from his paid administrative leave effective Thursday January 17, 2013.

The Board regrets the perceived secrecy surrounding Mr. O’Mara’s leave of absence but New Hampshire state law prohibits the Selectmen from publicly discussing personnel matters.

In early December, the Board received new information related to the outright purchase of the 6 wheel dump truck previously disclosed by the Board of Selectmen.  This new information required a more in-depth investigation. The Board enlisted the services of an outside firm to perform the investigation.

While Mr. O’Mara was not the sole focus of the investigation, the Board felt it appropriate to place him on leave to prevent any perception of any undue influence or partiality during the investigation.

The review took longer than anticipated.  It was thorough and impartial.

The investigation revealed no evidence of malfeasance on the part of any town employee. Procedural flaws and delayed internal communication protocols had already been discovered and corrected by the Board of Selectmen and Town Administrator.

“I am content that this issue has been examined under a microscope.  The Board has acted in a responsible manner, and we can move forward with confidence, knowing that the measures put into place last October will prevent this from happening again,” stated Chairman Bruce Bowler.

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