The Hubbardston Select Board on Dec. 20 appointed Patricia Lowe as temporary town administrator effective immediately and through the board’s next meeting on Dec. 29, approving a one-week stipend of $250 to cover added duties.

The move followed an amendment to the current town administrator Nathan Boudreaux’s contract, which ends Dec. 26, and a board discussion about three parallel steps: ensure immediate temporary coverage, post and recruit for an interim administrator to begin as soon as Jan. 2 (estimated 20 hours per week), and establish a search committee to screen candidates for the permanent position.

Heather (Select Board member) presented a draft interim posting that calls for applications (cover letter and resume) to be emailed to Jay Williams by 12 noon on Dec. 29 with the Select Board reviewing applicants at its Dec. 29 meeting. The posting describes a short-term appointment of approximately three to six months, an anticipated start date of Jan. 2 and negotiable compensation; applicants may be reached via the Mass. Municipal Association listing and direct outreach by board staff.

On the search committee, the board approved a seven-member composition (two town employees, one finance person, one planning representative and three residents at-large) with a proposed application deadline of Jan. 13 and the committee’s recommendations scheduled for the Jan. 19 Select Board meeting.

Board members said the temporary administrator’s responsibilities are limited to emergency coverage and keeping routine operations running (paying bills, responding to urgent inquiries, coordinating with other departments) rather than undertaking full budget preparation. The board agreed that Jeff (chair) will remain a signatory for official signatures during the interim period and that the temporary administrator should contact him for required sign-offs.

The Select Board voted on each item by voice and the motions carried.