Select Board votes down interim administrator pick

Select Board · Meeting of May 6, 2026

BROOKFIELD — The Brookfield Select Board voted down a motion to appoint Blythe Robinson as interim town administrator, splitting 1-2 after interviewing finalist Eric Weiss. Clerk Beth L. Coughlin cast the lone vote in favor, calling Robinson the candidate with "the strongest experience directly in the role." Chair Sarah Campbell and member Richard A. Chaffee voted no; Chaffee argued the town should instead pay down its town counsel bills rather than fund an interim hire so close to annual town meeting. Finance Director Lori Barkus told the board the town's roughly $11.5 million budget is balanced and within its levy limit.

The board agreed to revisit the appointment at its May 13 meeting and said it would notify all three finalists, including a candidate identified only as Dave, of the delay.

In the full story:

• The Full Story
• Why It Matters
• Key Motions & Votes
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• Brookfield's community access TV: Select Board meeting, May 6, 2026
• The complete report: 807 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of May 6, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.