Scituate council hires new public works director despite public concerns over prior ethics findings

The Scituate Town Council voted to hire Steven Matczek as Director of Public Works, authorizing a start date of Feb. 13, 2026, with a starting annual base salary of $100,000 and an increase to $105,000 after six months. The motion passed unanimously following public comment and council discussion.

During public comment the council heard allegations from residents that Matczek faced ethics violations while previously employed in Exeter. Mark Cohen and Richard Finnegan raised those concerns, asked questions about past fines and the reasons for his departure from Exeter, and questioned the salary being offered relative to comparable communities. Finnegan urged the council to examine Exeter’s minutes and ethics decisions before finalizing the hire.

Council members and the president responded that Matczek is highly recommended by municipal officials contacted during the search process, cited extensive paving and DPW experience, and stressed that the candidate’s experience would continue the department’s operational strengths. Council members said they reviewed comparable municipal salaries and believed the proposed compensation was in line with experience and local comparators.

Council also authorized $1,530.96 to compensate John LaMaccio for duties performed as acting DPW director from Jan. 11 to Feb. 12, 2026. The council did not take additional punitive or investigatory action regarding the ethics allegations during the meeting; members said they would monitor any future developments and asked the public to raise formal complaints to the appropriate authorities if warranted.

Votes: the hiring and the compensation motion both passed unanimously.