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Residents press Select Board to reinstate Town Administrator as investigation continues
Summary
Several residents urged the Warner Select Board to reinstate Town Administrator Kathy Frenette and demanded transparency around audit findings and alleged financial irregularities; the board said legal counsel advised it not to comment while the Merrimack County Sheriff Department investigates.
Multiple residents used the public‑comment period at the March 17 Select Board meeting to press for reinstatement of Town Administrator Kathy Frenette and to demand greater transparency around the town’s 2024 audit and alleged financial irregularities.
James Gaffney presented a resolution signed by about 30 residents and said the resolution focuses on two broad points: (1) ensuring Select Board members receive the same materials in a timely fashion and that the public have access to documents; and (2) urging reinstatement of the Town Administrator. Gaffney raised specific concerns that an audit search committee saw problem invoices, that some invoices of roughly $10,000 appeared to have been paid more than once, and that there is an outstanding IRS matter he described as about $11,000. He also said the Town Administrator was accused of releasing the names of welfare recipients — an allegation raised in public comment during the meeting.
Steve Hall asked for a status update and said, "the town is paying the salary but the town is not receiving any benefit." Chair Alfred Hanson and other board members said legal counsel advised them not to comment on the personnel matter because an investigation is ongoing; the board characterized the matter as suitable for non‑public discussion. Later in public comment, Ken Milender asked who is investigating; Chair Hanson said the Merrimack County Sheriff Department is conducting the investigation and has been asked to speed it up.
Town Treasurer Ginger Marsh, speaking during public comment, cited the audit when she asked for clarification on delegation of depository authority and internal controls. Marsh said the audit identified three deposits that were not made in a timely manner and one deposit lacking adequate supporting documentation; she requested a list of staff authorized to make deposits above $1,500 and said, "I will not sign checks that do not have a signed invoice."
The Select Board did not take action on personnel matters during the meeting. Several speakers said Town Meeting Article 6 requires a standing agenda item to address the 2024 audit, and they urged the board to include that item in future agendas.
