The Select Board is nothing but grateful to John Kelly for his 26 years of service to the town. Over his unprecedented length of tenure, Mr. Kelly has surrounded himself with the best and the brightest town staff. He has led colleagues in creating a financially strong Orleans, including a AAA bond rating, and a dynamic focus on town budget. He acted as Chair of the Board of Managers of the Tri-Town Septage Treatment facility, proactively responded from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to keep the people and businesses of Orleans safe, and played a critical part in the funding, procurement and support of the Phase 1 Downtown Sewer Collection System set to go into service in October.
Over his 26-year tenure, Mr. Kelly has seen Orleans through environmental, technical and market changes no one could ever have predicted. Inspiring the loyalty, integrity, and length of service in his staff that he modeled himself, we the residents of Orleans can only express our deepest appreciation for his stewardship.
Mr. Kelly, along with town staff and the Select Board have begun a transition period that will end with the hiring of a new Town Manager. The Select Board will be placing a warrant article for this Fall Special Town Meeting to fund all aspects of a search for and on-boarding of a new Town Manager (as the Charter change will likely go in effect in 2023), including: defining the roles/responsibilities of the Town Manager position (changed by Charter from Town Administrator), seeking input from staff and stakeholders, formation of a search committee, and contracting for outside consulting resources as needed.
Although it is premature to say goodbye since Mr. Kelly is not retiring until next March; the Select Board is grateful for John's guidance with the transition to a town manager position. Congratulations, John, for serving the town so long and so well.