Deerfield selectmen reject road agent’s resignation after public support and policy dispute

Frank Pachopin, Deerfield’s road agent, told the Selectmen on March 9 that he had submitted a resignation following an investigation of highway‑department operations and an exchange with other town officials. In a 20‑minute statement, Pachopin denied accusations that he profited from town work, said he had used personal equipment and labor to keep roads safe during storms, and asked the board to either accept or reject his resignation.

Pachopin said no formal complaint had been filed with the town and invoked RSA 91‑A (the Right‑to‑Know law) to press for disclosure of the allegations’ basis. He described using his welder, excavator and skid steer to maintain town equipment this winter, and said he returned contract payments when he handed in town keys and phone on March 6. “I did all of this and shared all of this for absolutely free,” he said, arguing the work had benefitted residents and the highway department.

Several residents spoke in support of Pachopin during the public comment period. Alex Cody and others said past road agents had similarly used personal equipment to cover shortfalls; Scott Brown urged the board to examine why the town has seen frequent turnover in the road‑agent role.

Board members said they were split over the facts and the appropriate response. Selectmen who had inspected the highway shed — including Jared Messine and Cindy (surname not stated) — reported seeing damage to a sander and personal items stored under a lean‑to. Messine said he and another member went to the shed to gather information after receiving complaints and brought photos to the meeting. He said parts of the town’s equipment had been pushed to the point of requiring repair or replacement and questioned whether all available contractors were called during an ice event.

After discussion about communication failures and liability risks when non‑employees operate town vehicles, a selectman moved to reject Pachopin’s resignation and the chair seconded. The board voted 4 ayes and 1 no to reject the resignation; the chair announced the tally and Pachopin said he would continue if the board formally supported him. The vote did not change pending concerns about procedures.

Following the vote, the board focused on the town’s draft rental/lease and storage language. Section 5 of the draft allows the road agent to store personal equipment at the highway department when it “has benefit to the town.” Some selectmen argued the clause suited a small town where volunteers and contractors help in emergencies; others pressed for a firmer rule to avoid conflicts of interest and liability. One member proposed a “no means no” approach — barring the sitting road agent from renting equipment to the town — while others favored a policy that would permit donated or loaned equipment only with documentation and prior board acceptance.

The board voted to table final action on the storage and rental policy and directed members to mark up the draft and return edits to Town Administrator Karen (surname not stated). Members asked that Pachopin participate in revisions so practical emergency needs and liability protections could both be addressed.

Next steps: the board will circulate a revised storage/rental policy for review, with Karen collating suggested edits. The board also signaled interest in formalizing a complaint intake process so citizen concerns are routed through the town administrator.