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Town of Orange Selectboard finds no Open Meeting Law violation over clerk interview
Summary
The Selectboard voted to find no Open Meeting Law violation after a complaint about a publicly warned April 15 clerk interview; the board said no final decision had been made and the position remained contingent on a background check.
The Town of Orange Selectboard voted May 7, 2026, that no violation of the Open Meeting Law occurred relating to a publicly warned April 15 interview for a potential Town Clerk.
Chair Steve Simpson summarized a letter dated April 27 from Eric Holmgren alleging that decisions may have been made outside a properly warned meeting, that final action occurred in executive session, and that motions and votes were not properly recorded. Simpson said the interview did not result in a formal decision and that any hiring remained contingent on a background check. Kristin Paya moved to find no Open Meeting Law violation; Carmella Tucker seconded and the motion passed with all in favor.
The finding resolves the specific complaint described by Holmgren in the board’s meeting packet and discussed publicly at the May 7 meeting. Board members clarified the relevant meeting date during debate: Paya noted the interview occurred April 15 rather than April 27 as referenced in the complaint letter. After the vote, members of the public continued to raise questions about hiring procedures and transparency, and the board agreed to continue those communication discussions at a future meeting.
No formal sanction or further board action was recorded in executive session on this matter. The Selectboard’s written finding will be part of the meeting record.
