Chelmsford names acting town manager, backs bill to cover injured firefighter’s pay

After an executive session on May 18, the Chelmsford Select Board announced several personnel and compensation actions related to collective bargaining and an injured firefighter.

Chair Patricia Wojtas said Finance Director John Sousa had agreed to serve as Acting Town Manager and will receive an additional $1,500 per payroll period while serving in that role — for up to six months or until a permanent town manager is in place. The Board indicated renegotiation is possible if the assignment extends beyond six months.

The Board also voted to strongly support special legislation (House docket #5429) to provide injury leave compensation to Firefighter Nicholas Spinale. Chair Wojtas said the Board agreed to back the bill, and the Select Board arranged for Spinale to be placed on administrative leave effective the following day with full pay until the legislation is passed and reimburses the Town, as described by Town officials.

The Board appointed Heather Russo as Town Accountant; the motion to appoint Russo passed unanimously.

Vice Chair Jeffrey Hardy, speaking during open session, said the town “will always have [Mr. Spinale’s] back,” expressing support for the firefighter during his recovery. Town Manager Paul Cohen and other officials praised the coordination with state legislators and agencies that the Board said helped advance the legislative solution.

What happens next: the Town will continue to support the bill with legislators; Mr. Sousa will begin serving as Acting Town Manager immediately under the terms announced, and the Town will implement the administrative-leave arrangement for Spinale until state reimbursement is available.