HUDSON EXTENDS EMPLOYEE’S SUSPENSION
The suspension of a municipal employee in Hudson continues as an internal investigation extends into its second month.
Last month, town council, albeit with one dissenting vote, approved a recommendation from director general Jean-Pierre Roy to suspend an unidentified employee with pay for 15 days while an investigation was conducted and a report completed.
During Monday’s council meeting, Roy informed inquiring residents that while the suspension had initially been set to conclude Jan. 25, it, in fact, continues as his investigation isn’t yet complete.
Roy reiterated it’s a human resources matter and that he wants to protect the reputation of the employee as the investigation continues.
“For some technical reasons (the suspension) continues, but I cannot tell you more. It’s confidential,” he said.
Roy said he is seeking further testimony.
“It’s still not settled,” he said, adding citizens should trust the inquiry process. “It’s almost done. I have to talk to some persons again. Let the process continue and trust the process also,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hudson is currently facing several lawsuits from former staff or professionals once hired by the town.
Catherine Haulard, who was Hudson’s director general when she was suspended for 10 days last year but never returned to work at town hall, is seeking damages for wrongful dismissal.
Judy Sheehan, a consultant hired by Hudson when Haulard was the DG, has a $25,000 claim against the municipality for unpaid invoices.
Bourassa Boyer Inc., the town’s former auditors, filed a $75,000 claim against Hudson related to outstanding invoices.
Hudson, mired by financial scandals, police investigations and probes by the province in recent years, filled two key administrative posts last fall by hiring Serge Raymond as treasurer and Roy as director general. The treasurer position was vacated in February 2015 when Ramin Jawanda resigned shortly after the suspension of Haulard. Hudson’s taxation clerk also quit the same day Jawanda resigned.
In March 2015, staffing turmoils continued when Jacques Lemieux resigned a week after being hired for what was to be a temporary post of an interim treasurer and director general. During that same week, town clerk Vincent Maranda announced he would be taking a one-month leave for medical reasons, citing stress as a factor. Maranda later returned to his post.
Last April, Duncan Campbell was mandated to act as Hudson’s interim director general, a role he held until Roy was hired.