ORANGE — The administrative assistant to the town administrator and the Selectboard announced her resignation last week, citing a lack of support for higher pay for town employees as her main reason.
Leanna Dennis gave her notice Dec. 29, and read her resignation letter to Selectboard members, who voted with regret to accept her resignation at their virtual meeting held that evening.
“It is with great regret that I will be resigning from my position with the town Orange, effective Jan. 13, 2022,” Dennis read. “While I have truly enjoyed my position here with the town of Orange and value and appreciate everyone on our team, I have accepted a great opportunity for myself as assistant town clerk in Athol.”
She said the recent discussion of a wage study was a major factor in her decision to apply for another job.
“While I understand the financial position that Orange is in, I do not understand why some members of the board and the public would not support the employees of the town of Orange to be paid fair and equitably,” she read. “The employees of Orange are overworked and underpaid. You have very dedicated and hard-working employees who go above and beyond their job descriptions daily. …
“Please think long and hard before your next wage study discussion and the impact that it has on your employees,” she continued, “or you will continue to train and lose them to communities that pay them the wages they deserve.”
According to an expense report, Dennis made $47,213.35 per year in Orange. The Athol position falls within Grade 10 of the compensation plan and is part of Service Employees International Union Local 888 collective bargaining unit. The starting rate is $27.09.
“The town was fortunate to have a quality group of candidates for this position and Ms. Dennis emerged as the top consensus choice due to her qualifications and experience,” Athol Town Manager Shaun Suhoski said in an email. “She will join a team here in Athol that strives to deliver courteous and professional customer service to the community.”
After Dennis read her letter, Orange Selectboard Chair Jane Peirce said it was “hard to hear.” Vice Chair Tom Smith said that he, too, was sad to hear this news.
“Leanna has worked, and continues to work, extremely hard, goes way above and beyond what is asked of her, and has always, always put in the extra time and effort while never being asked,” Smith said. “I will greatly, greatly miss her very much. I’m sorry to see her go, but I wish her all the best, and she’s earned this. She’s a smart, dedicated person and the town of Athol’s very lucky to get her.”
Peirce mentioned Dennis has worked at every flu clinic Orange has held.
Attempts to contact Dennis were unsuccessful.