Milo fires town manager in private session

MILO – Jane Jones was terminated as Milo’s town manager during an executive session between Jones and selectmen earlier this month, the Bangor Daily News learned Thursday.

After filing a request under the state’s Freedom of Access law, the BDN Thursday was given a copy of the minutes of the Nov. 1 executive session, during which selectmen fired Jones and outlined the reasons.

Board Chairman Jerry Brown acknowledged Thursday that the vote took place in executive session. But the board has never announced publicly that Jones was fired.

Contacted Thursday evening, Jones said she plans to file a lawsuit against the town. She said she was told on Nov. 1 during the executive session that she was being terminated. She said she later received a letter confirming her termination.

“I categorically deny any of the assertions of wrongdoing, and I’m looking forward to having the truth come out in the arena of the court system,” Jones said.

Selectmen had placed Jones on 45 days of administrative leave on Sept. 13 to allow them time to investigate alleged charges of financial misconduct against Jones. Brown has been acting as town manager during Jones’ absence.

On Nov. 1, Jones, along with her attorney, Dale Thistle of Newport, the town’s attorney, Lee Bragg of Augusta, and the selectmen met for the executive session.

According to the minutes of that meeting released Thursday, the four-member board voted unanimously in favor of the following alleged findings:

. Jones failed to forward to selectmen management letters that accompanied the town audits for 2004 and 2005, which were addressed to selectmen.

. The executive session seal was violated by Jones when she passed false information to a town employee for the purpose of damaging the reputation of Selectman Tony Hamlin. She reportedly had stated that Hamlin had made disparaging comments about two ex-employees.

. That Jones intentionally paid a town employee in a manner to help avoid employment taxes. The employee did not receive tax documents from the town for this time period, which was more than one year in duration.

. Fiduciary duties were not fulfilled. Jones failed to forward an invoice for reimbursement of $28,000 from the Maine State Police, and material weaknesses were noted regarding the town’s audit.

. Jones was insubordinate by intentionally disregarding two direct motions made by selectmen to measure a property on Willow Street and report to the board, and she failed to schedule a public hearing with the town’s auditor.

During Thursday night’s selectmen’s meeting, the board voted to begin a search for a new town manager with the assistance of the Maine Municipal Association.