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Selectboard member William Crowther to leave Jan. 23; Diane Hallenbeck named interim town clerk and treasurer
Summary
William (Bill) Crowther submitted his resignation effective Jan. 23, 2026. The Selectboard designated Diane Hallenbeck as interim town clerk and treasurer while it conducts a search; members discussed hiring transparency and whether a nonresident hire should include a local participant in the process.
William (Bill) Crowther submitted his resignation from the Town of Orange Selectboard, and his last day will be Jan. 23, 2026. The board announced the vacancy during the Jan. 12 meeting and named Diane Hallenbeck to serve as interim town clerk and treasurer while a search is conducted for a permanent town clerk. Hallenbeck is transitioning from full-time to part-time in the role.
Selectboard members did not record a separate formal vote in the minutes beyond the announcement. During public comment, a resident identified only as Eric urged that the board take public input before appointing an interim or permanent clerk, saying the community should have transparency in the hiring process. Another commenter, Tim Stone, suggested the board consider hiring a nonresident for the post while ensuring a town resident participates in the hiring process to maintain local input.
Hallenbeck will hold the interim treasurer and town clerk duties while the board proceeds with its recruitment and transition plans. The board did not provide a timeline for when a permanent clerk will be appointed; staff will return updates at future meetings.
