The 1019 Report

After an almost nine-month search, the town of Hudson earlier this month hired a new treasurer. But as that key administrative post is finally filled, town hall continues to operate with a musical-chairs-type of approach to staffing as its director-general has extended her medical leave.

The hiring of Cristian Frincu as director of finance was confirmed by council Sept. 3. Among his first tasks will be to finalize the municipality’s finance report for 2023, which was due to be submitted to the provincial government by June 30. So far, no timeline has been offered as to when Hudson will file its financial report.

Frincu will be helped by what municipal officials are calling a coach, a consultant contracted last month to support his integration into the administration. The move was deemed necessary as Frincu lacks experience in the municipal field. His experience stems from a variety of posts in the private sector.

Meanwhile, Hudson’s director-general, Marie-Jacinthe Roberge, has extended her medical leave, and is not expected to return to work until the end of September.

Roberge’s sudden leave of absence last month, prompted council to name an interim director-general. Veteran municipal administrator Martin Houde, who was first contracted by Hudson in September 2022 on a temporary basis to serve as interim director-general, resumed the role in August, when Roberge took a three-week leave. That leave has now been extended to Sept. 27, Mayor Chloe Hutchison confirmed Monday.

Roberge was hired by the town 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.

Last month, when Houde was tapped to take on the role as interim director-general, he also assumed the role of interim treasurer. Although he now relinquished his responsibilities as interim treasurer, he will continue as interim director-general on a part-time basis.