Update July 31, 5:10 p.m.: Bernard Lynch is the founder and principal of Community Paradigm Associates, of Plymouth, Mass., and the Selectboard previously hired Lynch as a consultant for its town manager search. Through Lynch, William Riccio emailed to The Berkshire Edge the following statement:
“I herein confirm that I have declined the offer extended to me by the Great Barrington select board to become their Town Manager.  During the selection process, I enjoyed engaging in conversation with the the select board, meeting with the dedicated executive team, and learning the many opportunities that exist within the community. I met amazing people along the way and although I am unable to be part of their team at this time, I am certain that good things lie ahead for the Great Barrington community, a special place in the Berkshires. I wish the select board and the executive team much success as they work together to craft Great Barrington’s path forward.”Â
Original story below:
Great Barrington — Newport, R.I. native William Riccio has decided not to accept the town manager position.
Riccio not accepting the position has been confirmed to The Berkshire Edge by Selectboard Chair Steve Bannon.
Back on July 24, the Selectboard voted unanimously to begin contract negotiations with Riccio.
When reached by phone, Bannon told The Berkshire Edge that he is disappointed.
He added that the Selectboard would decide the next course of action at its next meeting which is currently scheduled for Monday, Aug. 11 at 6 p.m.
The town manager position has been vacant for over seven months, since then-Town Manager Mark Pruhenski left to take over that position in Middlebury, Vt.
The Selectboard formed a Town Manager Screening Committee in January and hired Community Paradigm Associates of Plymouth, Mass., for the search.
The Berkshire Edge has reached out to Riccio for comment.
