Town, former chief reach deal

LYNDEBOROUGH – Town officials and former Police Chief James Basinas have reached a settlement in Basinas’ complaint against the town. The two parties met in superior court Friday.

According to Town Administrator Jim Bingham, Basinas will withdraw his suit against the town and give up the opportunity for any further litigation against the town or its employees.

The town has accepted the withdrawal and will not proceed to trial. Any monetary issues will be covered by the town’s insurance carrier. That carrier has worked out a settlement with Basinas.

Bingham said there were two issues to be settled: whether the 2007 Town Meeting that eliminated the position of police chief was conducted properly, and the date of Basinas’ termination. The town maintains that Basinas was fired in April 2007.

Bingham said the Board of Selectmen has been reviewing the Police Department, considering several options for reorganization.

“They have been talking with Interim Administrator Mike French and others in the department,” Bingham said. “There are several options. It will be an interim step at this time. This (settlement) is a great relief.”

– JESSIE SALISBURY