MIDDLEBORO – The Middleboro Housing Authority Board of Commissioners voted to buy out the remainder of Executive Director Maria “Angie” Medeiros’ contract on Monday, Oct. 23

Before the decision was made, Housing Authority Chair Nancy Thomas explained that the board had three options when it came to Medeiros’ contract including voting to renew the contract, voting to not renew it or buy out the remainder of her contract which ends on Dec. 31. 

Voting to renew the contract failed.

Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Joseph Mandile and treasurer Scott Bernard both voted not to renew the contract. 

“I think it will be better for the Housing Authority to move forward in a different direction,” said Mandile.

Mandile did not elaborate on his reasoning behind the vote when asked to by commissioner Veronica Hayward. Hayward did not vote in favor of the decision, causing a split vote and leading the board to consider the buyout option. 

“A buyout is a mutual termination,” explained Thomas. “The parties will have a meeting of the minds to negotiate a dollar figure on what the lump sum would be to reflect what is left of her contract … and then she would be no longer employed.” 

Despite Hayward expressing that she was doing so “under protest” the board voted unanimously to buy out the remainder of Medeiros’ contract. 

“I am very sorry that this is happening,” said Hayward. “And I want to apologize to [Medeiros.]”

Medeiros did not immediately respond when asked to comment on the decision.  

According to Mandile, the negotiations are still ongoing.