Halifax Town Administrator Resigns, Selectmen Praise Accomplishments
Board begins search for replacement as Cody Haddad announces departure; longtime Selectman Chair John Bruno also stepping down
HALIFAX - April 29 - Cody Haddad, Halifax's Town Administrator, announces his resignation effective at the end of July. The announcement came during Monday's Select Board meeting, adding another leadership transition for the town as Board Chair John Bruno is not seeking reelection.
"I will be resigning from my position as town administrator here effective at the end of July," Haddad told the board. "It was a personal decision. I think that's best for me and my family at this time."
Haddad, who has served as Town Administrator for approximately two years, explains his departure wasn't an easy decision to make.
"I think looking back I think I gave the town my all. I think we made a lot of progress," Haddad says. "And I really am thankful to the board for being so supportive during my tenure."
The announcement comes as the town is already preparing for the departure of Select Board Chair John Bruno, who is attending his last regular meeting. Fellow board members took time at the beginning of the meeting to recognize Bruno's service.
"In typical John Bruno fashion, he didn't want anything big for his last meeting here, but I think it's very important," says Town Administrator Haddad. "Your service to the town has been unparalleled to anything else."
Selectman Jonathan Selig adds, "The running joke with me, and I tell John this, is that when I grow up, I want to be John Bruno. In all seriousness, though, John, we were in some tough times, and I always wondered if there was a bat signal that we sent out. Because John heard it and to many degree rescued the town."
Bruno, who has served multiple terms on the board, responds with characteristic humility.
"I wasn't expecting anything like this. It's really unnecessary. It's my town, too, so I don't mind pitching in when I can," Bruno says. "This go-around has been an adventure, really, kind of an adventure in a lot of ways. But I think we've managed to bring things back to stability."
The dual departures create a significant leadership transition for Halifax. The board discusses immediately beginning the search process for Haddad's replacement.
"I personally think the quicker we do it, the better," Bruno says. "The end of July will come here faster than we realize it."
Selectman Thomas Pratt, the newest member of the board, offers praise for Haddad's tenure.
"Anybody you talk to in town, in this building, in this room, has nothing but glowing things to say," Pratt says. "I always felt prepared. I was always ready. I was never surprised at what was before us."
Selig notes a significant shift in the town's approach under Haddad's leadership.
"One of the biggest difference I noticed with you, Cody, at the helm, was we went from putting out fires in the now to thinking down the road," Selig says. "We started developing plans for not just the next six months, the next couple weeks, but like, what are we going to do down the road? And that was refreshing to do."
Haddad assures the board he remains committed to Halifax through his remaining months.
"I'm not going anywhere yet. I still have a few months of work here. We still have a lot of work to do. I'm not going to let off the gas here," Haddad says. "And as you embark on this recruitment, again, I will support the board and the town in any way that you would like me to."
The board reaches consensus to have Haddad begin contacting search firms to assist with finding his replacement, with proposals to be reviewed at their next meeting.
In other business, the board:
- Welcomed Joe Braga as the town's interim Building Commissioner. Braga brings extensive experience, having previously served as Building Commissioner in Dartmouth until his retirement in 2023.
- Approved a proclamation designating March 23 through April 30, 2025, as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period in Halifax, supporting the "Check Twice, Save a Life" campaign.
- Authorized a $1.3 million borrowing for the water treatment plant project, which is nearing completion.
- Approved a contract with Cardinal Contracting Services for repairs to the Town Hall Portico, with work expected to be completed by the end of June.
- Approved a community survey regarding the use of opioid settlement funds. The town has received approximately $80,000 so far and expects to receive over $200,000 through 2035.
- Ratified a three-year contract with the town's newly formed administrative and clerical union, Teamsters Local 653, running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.
- Approved a three-year contract for Town Accountant Lindsay Martinelli, effective July 1, 2025.
Haddad also announces two upcoming public forums: one on proposed zoning bylaw changes on April 30 at 6 p.m., and a budget forum on May 5 at 6 p.m., both in the Great Hall with Zoom options available.
"We're trying to be as transparent and get the information out in every single way possible," Haddad says.