MIDDLEBORO — The Middleboro Select Board unanimously approved a new three-year contract starting Sept. 1 for Town Manager James McGrail at their Aug. 19 meeting.

McGrail is now under contract through Aug. 31, 2027, with a possible extension through Aug. 31, 2028.

The new pact replaces his current contract, which began in November 2022, shortly after he was hired, and was scheduled to expire in November 2025.  

“This extension is very important,’’ Select Board Member Thomas White said. “People are trying to entice Jay away. It’s important we keep him.’’

McGrail will now earn an initial salary of $197,500 the first year of his contract. He will receive an annual increase of 2 percent, with a three percent hike possible if he receives an average score of at least 4.2 out of 5 score on his annual evaluation.

He will also receive a stipend of $2,500 for his certification as a procurement official and $7,500 if the town maintains or exceeds its AA bond rating. 

His previous contract called for an annual salary of $180,000.

McGrail told board members that he “appreciated the confidence you have in me’’ after the new contract was approved.

“I really love working here,’’ he said. “I look forward to the next four years.’’

He thanked his “awesome staff’’ for their efforts.

McGrail was hired in October 2022 following the retirement of prior Town Manager Robert Nunes.

McGrail had  previously served as Marion’s Town Administrator since 2019. Before that, he was the director of facilities for Sandwich schools from 2018 to 2019 and the executive director of South Shore Country Club in Hingham from 2010 to 2018.

Select Board Member Teresa Farley spoke highly of McGrail. During contract discussions, she said, “everyone felt he was doing a fantastic job for the town.’’