“Cut the Cancer Out”: Former School Committee Chair Delivers Blistering Critique of Pembroke Town Leadership
PEMBROKE - January 28, 2026 - Patrick Chilcott delivered an unprecedented 15-minute public indictment of Pembroke’s town management on Wednesday night, alleging a “crisis of leadership,” toxic workplace morale, and fiscal mismanagement. Chilcott’s remarks, which included a threat to run for the Select Board in 2027, overshadowed a meeting otherwise focused on veteran tax relief, snow removal protocols, and the town’s $1.7 million in successful grant awards.
The Full Story
The meeting’s routine agenda was upended during public comment when resident Patrick Chilcott stood to address the Board with a prepared and passionate critique of Town Manager Bill Chenard’s administration. Chilcott, identifying himself as a long-tenured former elected official, alleged that the town is suffering from “tanked” morale, high employee turnover, and a lack of operating controls.
Chilcott pointed to the recent departure of the town accountant and assistant town accountant, leaving the finance department effectively vacant. He further alleged that the town had returned nearly $800,000 in ARPA funding due to “poor execution” and “abject neglect of project management”. His most serious allegations concerned a “verbal assault” of a female employee in November 2024 and a subsequent investigation he characterized as “ridiculously narrow” and “embarrassing”.
“Sometimes to save the body, you have to cut the cancer out. And I’m asking you to do that. However, if this isn’t enough... I will formally announce my candidacy to run for Selectman in 2027.” — Patrick Chilcott
Prior to this public comment, the Board spent significant time discussing the Town Manager’s annual performance evaluation process. Chair Tracy Marino noted that the review is a contractual requirement involving self-assessment and feedback from at least four additional individuals, including Superintendent Erin Obey. However, Board members John Brown and Dan Trabucco expressed hesitation in selecting evaluators immediately, requesting a list of who had been used in the past to ensure a “good cross-section”. Chilcott also spoke here, previewing his later sentiments, suggesting that employees are “terrified” to give honest feedback because they do not believe the process is truly anonymous.
In legislative business, the Board voted unanimously to place the “Heroes Act” on the upcoming Annual Town Meeting warrant. This local option would provide a 10% increase to veteran tax exemptions, costing the town approximately $20,320. Town Manager Bill Chenard recommended the fixed percentage as the “cleanest” option for the assessor’s office.
The Board also received a sobering update from DPW Director Joe Daiute regarding snow and ice protocols. Daiute reported a dramatic decline in available plowing contractors, falling from 44 in 2015 to just 23 today. He attributed this “significant drop-off” to massive increases in insurance requirements that many independent contractors can no longer afford.
Despite the internal tensions, the town reported a successful year in external funding. Chenard presented a 2025 grant report showing Pembroke was awarded over $1.7 million. Key awards include $250,000 for expanding the municipal fiber optic system and $223,400 from Green Communities for weatherizing municipal and school buildings.
Why It Matters
The meeting highlighted a deepening rift between the town’s executive leadership and some segments of the public and staff. While the town is successfully securing millions in state grants and moving toward expanded tax relief for veterans, allegations of a toxic workplace and mismanagement of federal ARPA funds suggest significant internal tension. The shortage of snow contractors also presents a direct public safety concern for residents during winter months, as the town must now rely more heavily on its own limited staff and smaller equipment.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve a one-day liquor license for the Friends of the Community Center for February 5, 2026.
Vote: Unanimous ([34:05])
Motion: To place the “Heroes Act” (veteran tax exemptions) on the Annual Town Meeting warrant.
Vote: Unanimous ([40:47])
Motion: To enter Executive Session to negotiate a contract with non-union personnel and review minutes.
Vote: Unanimous ([01:38:39])
Public Comment
Public feedback was dominated by Patrick Chilcott’s detailed critique of Town Manager Bill Chenard. Other residents raised concerns about the buildability of town-owned land on Chapel Street and the anonymity of the town manager’s evaluation process.
What’s Next
February 5, 2026: Friends of the Community Center event with approved liquor license.
February 11, 2026: Habitat for Humanity will present its proposal for the Chapel Street property.
February 11, 2026: The Board will finalize the list of evaluators for the Town Manager’s performance review.
Spring 2026: Paving projects are scheduled for Archer Ave, University Ave, Suffolk St, and several other local roads.
Source Video: Pembroke Meetings: Local Seen Streaming Channel
Solid breakdown of what sounds like a textbook case of organizational dysfunction. The ARPA fumble alone is worth investigating, but the pattern of vacant finance positions plus high turnover screams systemic issues beyond personality conflicts. The snow contractor dropoff is fascinating too, insurance req pushing small operators out of muni contracts is becoming a national trend.
Chilcott is part of the "cancer", as he frames it, in Pembroke.