Amherst Town Council Gives Town Manager Strong Evaluation

Source: amherstma.gov

As Town Manager Paul Bockelman, hired in 2016, enters his eighth year, the Town Council continues to give him high marks during his annual performance evaluation. Town Council President Lynn Griesemer said, “Paul continued to provide strong and innovative leadership to the Town of Amherst.  With many goals and challenges from a very demanding Town Council and community, Paul consistently delivers outstanding progress toward those goals. Paul and the town staff provide a professional approach recognized throughout the Commonwealth, allowing Amherst to be a known as a community on the leading edge of innovation. We continue to look forward to working with Paul to ensure a sound future for the Town.”  

Bockelman received between commendable and satisfactory composite ratings in all six Policy Goals.  In ranked order they are: Community Health and Safety; Climate Action; the Four Major Capital Investments; Housing Affordability; Racial Equity and Social Justice; and Economic Vitality. He also received between commendable and satisfactory composite ratings in four of the six Management Goals.  In ranked order they are: Finance; Relationship with the Town Council; Administration, Leadership and Personnel; and Long-term Vision.  The composite rating for the Management Goal of Community Engagements was near “Satisfactory”. The only area that drew a lower composite rating was Relationship with Higher Education Institutions, indicating that the Town Council is asking that the Town Manager prioritize reaching strategic partnership agreements with all three higher education institutions – UMass, Amherst College, and Hampshire College. The Town Council made its assessment after receiving feedback from the public including town committee members, staff, and all Town Councilors.

Paul Bockelman said, “It is a true honor to work for the Town of Amherst. The Town Council continues to chart a path forward that matches the Town’s progressive values with its strategic goals. And I am privileged to work with a professional staff that is talented, dedicated, and who are true partners in our work.”

Bockelman’s contract continues through August 31, 2025.  Consistent with the conditions of his contract, Bockelman will receive a cost-of-living raise of 2%. The Town Council voted to amend the contract so that the existing allowance of $3,000 per year for disability insurance could instead be used to purchase life insurance.

The performance evaluation documents, including the Town Council members’ individual evaluation forms, are available on the Town website at www.amherstma.gov/tmeval