Former Franklin City Manager Judie Milner hired in Meredith top staff spot

MEREDITH — Former Franklin City Manager Judie Milner will start as the Meredith town manager Monday, March 31, according to Selectboard Chair Lynn Leighton on Wednesday afternoon.

“I'm very excited for the town to have been able to hire Judie, because she probably could have gone anywhere with her expertise and knowledge,” Leighton said. “We're lucky to be able to have her work with us.”

Leighton said town employees were notified of Milner’s hiring on Wednesday, and an announcement was planned for Town Meeting on Wednesday night.

Leighton said Milner received glowing reviews from former colleagues, and listed off some things that impressed her.

“Her strong background in finance, as well as economic development, and the numerous former employees that she's worked with,” Leighton said. “She was highly recommended.”

Municipal Resources Inc. handled the town manager applications. According to an online job posting, the town manager's salary range goes up to $160,000, depending on qualifications. Milner’s salary in Franklin was $131,040, according to an employment agreement voted on by Franklin City Council in March 2023.

Milner's employment agreement in Franklin was dated through June 30, 2028. In the event of the manager’s voluntary resignation, she was to give the city 60 days' advance notice, then receive the normal payoff of benefits earned. According to Attorney Mark Broth of Drummond Woodsum, who represents Milner, she signed a separation agreement with the city waiving the notice requirement, on March 4, four days after her last day on Feb. 28.

Leighton declined to disclose Milner’s salary.

Milner was one of 33 applicants for town manager. Leighton thinks the large pool of applicants reflects positively on Meredith’s reputation and attraction.

“Meredith is a wonderful place to be, and live and work and play.”