Former Highway Super Hasbrouck Is Re-Hired
By Doug La Rocque
In a short but controversial year-end meeting, the Grafton Town Board voted 4 to 1 to hire former Highway Superintendent Herb Hasbrouck as a consultant for new Highway Superintendent Jarod Bouchard. Mr. Hasbrouck will work 5 hours a week in return for having his health insurance paid until the end of April 2020, at which time he will turn 65 and be eligible for Medicare. Supervisor Ingrid Gundrum called it the “humane thing to do” in light of Mr. Hasbrouck’s 38 years of service to the Town of Grafton. She also indicated there is a precedent for such action, noting the town has done so for two former employees, who she would not name. She also said the resolution was legal, and in fact had been drawn up by legal counsel.
It was said by the board at its Monday, December 30 meeting, the resolution will cost the town approximately $800 a month for six months. Mr. Hasbrouck retired effective November 1 of 2019. He was scheduled to receive $250 a month toward his health insurance for life, as part of a previous town agreement with former Highway Department employees, of which Mr. Hasbrouck is the last. The resolution calls for the suspension of that $250 payment until May 1, but it was pointed out by outgoing councilmember Eric Buckley, Mr. Hasbrouck had already received one such payment. The council’s other departing member, Lisa Dooley suggested the Board amend the resolution to have the $250 start on June 1 instead.
Before the board voted, Town Clerk Vicky Burdick expressed her strong opposition to the resolution, calling it “fiscally irresponsible” and claimed it would put a financial strain on the town. Town board members elect Steve Beaudry and Frank Lewandusky III both voiced their opposition, as did town residents Kathy Goyer and Linda Laveway. Supervisor Gundrum reminded the incoming board members, they could always move to change or rescind once they are in office. Speaking with The Eastwick Press after the meeting, Mr. Beaudry indicated he was considering just such action.
Councilmember Jody Deschaine cast the lone dissenting vote, but did not mention why.