By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

CASCO — Things can change quickly.

A few weeks ago, the Casco Board of Selectmen were relieved and excited to be hiring a town manager. During that March 2 meeting, the board signed the employment with contract with Brenda-Fox Howard.

She was scheduled to start her position in Casco on April 5.

On Tuesday, it was evident that the game plan had changed.

In an act that reversed the hiring, the selectmen signed a document which terminated the town manager employment contract. 

According to the paperwork that terminates the employment agreement, Fox-Howard had asked that the town release her from the contract so that she could pursue another position. Her request was made on Monday.

The paperwork states, “The town is in agreement with Fox-Howard’s request and has no objection to the termination of the employment agreement.” 

Essentially, all points of the employment contract which was signed when Howard was hired, are no longer legally binding.  

“The Town and Brenda Fox-Howard hereby agree that all terms of the employment agreement are null and void,” the new agreement stated. 

Fox-Howard was not present at the selectmen’s meeting on Tuesday night.

Currently, she is the town manager of New Gloucester, a job she has held since May 2020. Last year, she signed a one-year contract with that town. 

Since September, the Casco Board of Selectmen have been trying to fill the vacancy left when former Casco Town Manager Courtney O’Donnell resigned. O’Donnell came to Casco and served in the position for a year after being the town manager of Stockton Springs. 

O’Donnell was hired to replace Dave Morton who retired after holding the title of Casco town manager for 40-plus years.