Published August 24, 2024

BRENDA O’FARRELL
The 1019 Report

In an emergency move, Hudson council Monday voted to name an interim director-general to replace its recently confirmed top administrator who has taken a leave of absence.

Veteran municipal administrator Martin Houde, who was first contracted by Hudson in September of 2022 on a temporary basis to serve as interim director-general, will resume the role as well as that of interim treasurer. No timeframe was given to the duration or nature of director-general Marie-Jacinthe Roberge’s absence.

Roberge was first hired in May 2023 as assistant director-general. Although she lacked experience as a top municipal administrator, Houde’s contract as interim-director-general was extended at that time to assist the transition. Earlier this year, Roberge was promoted to director-general, prompting Houde to take a step back. But council opted to extend him a new contract as special projects co-ordinator on a part-time basis. He continues to perform these duties and will remain working on a part-time basis.

The latest personnel re-assignment comes as Hudson has yet to hire a treasurer following the abrupt firing of its head of the finance department in January based on Roberge’s recommendation.

According to Houde, a replacement for the treasury position has been found. The individual is expected to start next week despite his candidature having not yet been ratified by council. Hudson Mayor Chloe Hutchison said council will confirm the hiring retroactively next month.

In the meantime, council earlier this month approved a $36,000 contract to hire a coach for the treasury candidate. The move was deemed necessary as the individual lacks experience in the municipal field and would require guidance and support. Despite the fact that the new treasurer is still not on the job, the coach began working for the town several weeks ago.

The town of Hudson is currently late in filing its 2023 financial reports with the province, which were due June 30.

According to a statement obtained by The 1019 Report last month from Sébastien Gariépy, a spokesman for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, a formal letter requesting the financial report was to have been sent to Hudson. A second letter will be sent if the report is not received by October or November, Gariépy added.

Continued delays in filing the 2023 financial report would eventually lead to a directive being issued by the Municipal Affairs minister that could result in provincial grants being withheld from the town.

In response to a question at Monday’s council meeting, Houde said he would be able to provide a timeline for when the town could produce a financial report some time next week.

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