Paris pays unemployment to Tarr

PARIS — The town has begun paying unemployment benefits to former Town Manager Phil Tarr.

Tarr, who signed a separation agreement with the board of selectmen last September, will receive payments of approximately $300 a week for 26 weeks –  $7,800 in total – reported Town Manager Amy Bernard at the selectboard meeting Monday.

"We're required by law to pay it," said Bernard, in response to a question about the matter from resident Kathy Richardson.

"There are only several conditions under which you are not required to pay and his termination of employment doesn't meet any of those conditions," Bernard said.

Last autumn, members of the selectboard voted not to renew Tarr's employment contract and signed a separation agreement with him.

The agreement included a $20,394 buy-out for the former manager, paid in 13 bi-weekly installments.