Former chief Perkins mulled as interim Middleboro town manager

MIDDLEBORO -- As the town looks to replace departing town manager James McGrail, a familiar name has popped up in discussions.

Retired Police Chief Joseph Perkins was proposed by Select Board member William Pike to temporarily fill McGrail’s position until a permanent replacement is selected.

“He would be a good fit,’’ Pike said at a Jan. 20 Select Board meeting of Perkins, who retired as police chief in 2024. Pike said he's "well-respected,’’ and has the financial experience of preparing the police department budget.

He said Perkins would be an asset the town, and he reached out to Perkins, who was “very proud that he was being mentioned’’ as a possible interim town manager.

Perkins understands the role would be a temporary one, Pike said.

Perkins has worked in law enforcement for more than 35 years, including nearly 25 years in the Middleboro Police Department, He served as chief from January 2014 until his retirement in 2024.

The former Middleboro chief is currently serving as interim police chief in Canton. A permanent chief has been selected for that community and is expected to start early this year.

Perkins was unavailable for comment.

Select Board member Thomas White said he “couldn’t agree more’’ with the possibility of Perkins stepping in.  

“I can’t think of a better candidate,’’ White said. “He’s lived here his whole life and is well-known and well-loved in the community. It’s amazing to know he’s willing to step up.’’

McGrail is leaving Middleboro for the top job in Harwich, with March 4 approved as his last day. McGrail has committed to completing the 2027 Fiscal Year budget before his departure.

McGrail advised that the interim town manager would primarily focus on day-to-day developments, problem-solving and sharing information. The work of Finance Director Susan Nickerson “lowers a little bit of the stress of financial management,’’ McGrail said, although the candidate chosen should have municipal finance knowledge.

Select Board member Theresa Farley said she is a “big fan’’ of Perkins but said the board should “really take our time and think about this thoroughly.’’

McGrail was asked by Select Board member Brian Giovanoni to provide a list of potential candidates, although Giovanoni agreed that Perkins would be a good interim choice.

Farley encouraged input from department heads. “They’re going to be running the ship while we’re figuring this out,’’ she noted. The board should “recognize they have valuable input.’’

Pike stated that, while he proposed Perkins, he was open to someone more qualified. He also suggested that the interim town manager provide input on a permanent selection.

The specifics of how a new town manager will be selected have yet to be determined. Select Board Chair Mark Germain suggested the town select an interim candidate first. 

“Then we can discuss how to transition to a search’’ for a permanent replacement, he said.