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Brookfield Select Board interviews David Snowden for interim town administrator
Summary
The Brookfield Select Board interviewed David Snowden for interim town administrator, focusing on leading open town meetings, addressing a persistent treasurer vacancy and procurement weaknesses, and prioritizing grant-writing and capital planning; the board will decide after one more interview the next day.
The Brookfield Select Board interviewed candidate David Snowden on May 5 for the interim town administrator position, pressing him on town meeting facilitation, the town’s treasurer vacancy and procurement processes, and priorities for grant-writing and capital planning.
Snowden, who said he previously served as assistant town manager for finance and administration in Shrewsbury, told the board he favors facilitation over top-down control in an open town meeting setting. "I truly believe that success is determined before it actually happens," he said, adding that "strong administrators prepare the residents, clarify warrant articles, and reduce confusion early on." He said clear communication and steady pacing help build trust and lead to more productive meetings.
The board and town accountant Lori Barkus focused on Brookfield’s current staffing and financial strains. Barkus said the town has cycled through multiple treasurers and is relying on an interim treasurer firm that is costly; reconciliations are a few months behind after a January departure. "We're three months behind," Barkus said, and characterized the interim firm as "costing a ton of money." Snowden said his long-term financial planning experience and work on debt rating and forecasting could help stabilize operations.
Board members asked how Snowden would work with the town council and legal counsel, and how he would prioritize daily, varied demands in a small-staff environment. Snowden said he views the select board–administrator relationship as a partnership and would clarify where legal counsel or council is needed while providing structured information for board decisions.
Procurement emerged as another priority. Snowden said he is MCPPO certified and has overseen procurement for large contracts, and that he has signed contracts under prior managers. Board members stressed the need for practical Chapter 30B familiarity for upcoming projects such as a possible stairlift grant.
Members also highlighted objectives they want an interim administrator to advance: coordinating directly with a recently hired grant writer to stretch transportation funds, refreshing the capital plan and master planning work, and supporting newer department heads to improve operational continuity.
The board told Snowden there was one more candidate interview scheduled and that they planned to make a decision the following day; they said they would notify him Thursday afternoon. The meeting ended with a motion and voice vote to adjourn that passed.
The Select Board’s next steps are the remaining interview and a follow-up decision; the town continues to face short-term operational strain from the treasurer vacancy and ongoing procurement needs.
