In another turn of events for Chichester, town administrator Jodi Pinard has resigned from her position for the second time in the span of a year.

Selectman Frank Swirko announced Pinard’s departure at a Board of Selectmen meeting on Tuesday.

“I’d like to inform you that our town administrator has formally declined the most recent salary and benefit offer presented to her, and as of Monday, she has amicably stepped down from her position with the town. I appreciate her contributions during her tenure as administrator and wish her the best,” he told residents.

Pinard first resigned in December and was rehired with a $31,000 raise about ten weeks later, which spurred anger from residents over municipal salaries and the function of town employees. At town meeting in March, residents voted to zero out the executive section of the budget, thereby eliminating the town administrator and administrative assistant position. Had it gone into effect, this change could have prevented the town from spending any money on office functions, including payroll.

Residents voted to restore all the money to the budget — with the exception of $35,000 — at a second town meeting on April 5. Pinard remained the town administrator until the start of this week.

The Board of Selectmen went into nonpublic session to discuss compensation at their meetings on May 6 and May 20, according to public minutes. On May 6, the board also discussed someone’s “reputation” in a nonpublic session.

No meeting minutes have been published since May 20. The board has met three times since then.

The Monitor could not reach Pinard, Swirko or Board Chair Richard Bouchard for comment, despite repeated attempts.

Selectman Matthew Stolnis declined to comment or confirm the administrator’s resignation. He was voted onto the board in the spring after campaigning for greater transparency and accountability in town.

Amidst frustration with municipal salaries, high taxes and selectmen transparency, Chichester residents have pressed the board in recent months to increase communication with residents.

Pinard’s second resignation marks the latest change in town hall following former selectman Michael William’s abrupt departure from his role days before the first town meeting in March. Kristy Jobin left her role as administrative assistant and planning coordinator in February as Pinard returned to the town administrator job after her initial resignation.

The next Board of Selectmen meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 15 at 6 p.m. at Grange Hall.

Rachel Wachman can be reached at rwachman@cmontitor.com