Board gives Tarr $20k buyout

PARIS — The Paris board approved a separation agreement with former Town Manager Phil Tarr during its meeting Monday night.

After signing the agreement Board Chair Sam Elliot thanked Vice Chair Bob Kirchherr and Selectman Robert Wessels for working out the agreement with Tarr.

"I think we're all happy with this," Elliot remarked.

Tarr signed the agreement prior to the meeting and his last day at Paris town office was September 14.

In his absence, Interim Town Manager Elizabeth Knox and Interim Treasurer Marjorie Risica have taken over his duties.

According to the agreement, Tarr will receive $20,394 severance pay in 13 bi-weekly installments beginning September 14 and continue to receive employee benefits during the payment period.

As part of the settlement, Tarr agrees not to take future legal action against the town.

In June, the board voted not to renew Tarr's contract, which would have run out in January. In August the board decided to negotiate an agreement with Tarr allowing him to leave sooner.

Selectmen are currently in the process of hiring a new town manager. On Monday, Elliot reported the board had reduced the number of candidates from 50 to five.

Interviews with three candidates are scheduled for Friday and the board hopes to have a new manager in place by January.