The Dudley Selectboard has appointed former Webster Selectman Randy Becker, Assistant Vice President of Finance for Easterseals of Massachusetts Keith Gajewski, retired Dudley Deputy Fire Chief Paul Konieczny, local business owner Brian LaBrec, Webster town administrator Richard LaFond, product quality control specialist Cheryl Lieteau, and former Business Manager for the Dudley-Charlton Regional School District Rich Mathieu as full members of the newly formed Government Study Committee. Appointed as alternates were National Grid Project Manager Hannah Ferris and Dean of the Graduate School at Nichols College Robin Frkal. 

This committee will evaluate the town’s government structure during public, televised meetings. Its reports and recommendations will be widely available for residents’ consideration and action. 

“I’m very thankful for the people that came forward to assist the town in acting on the recommendation of the Department of Revenue’s Division of Local Services to form a government study committee,” town administrator Jonathan Ruda said, adding, “The education, experiences, and independent nature of the committee volunteers will ensure an a-political and unbiased study and will bring about informed decisions relative to the future organization of our community.” 

The development of this committee follows a financial management audit conducted by the DLS at the request of the Board of Selectmen, after repeated calls from residents. The audit covered concerns over budget shortfalls, Proposition 2 ½ override elections in the summer 2023, and ongoing fiscal challenges. 

A key finding of the DLS report emphasized that Dudley’s decentralized government structure lacks essential coordination and communication, hindering its ability to function effectively and efficiently. Addressing this issue will be the primary focus of the committee’s work. 

Committee responsibilities include reviewing the town’s organizational structure, identifying inefficiencies, researching best practices in peer communities, and gathering input from town officials and residents. The study is expected to conclude by May 2026, when the committee will present its findings and recommendations to the Board of Selectmen. These recommendations may lead to further action at the May 2026 Annual Town Meeting.