The top manager at Northumberland County is no longer in that job following a lengthy private meeting on Monday.
Warden Brian Ostrander announced that Jennifer Moore, Chief Aminstrative Officer for the past decade was no longer employed by the county, effective immediately.
“County council wishes her all the best in her future pursuits,” Ostrander said in a news release.
Council had gathered on Monday morning for a special session to consider where to make cuts to keep a lid on spending in the 2026 budget. It needs to find millions in cuts to hold the tax increase to its goal of 5 per cent.
The meeting started at 9 a.m. and after about 15 minutes went into a closed session to discuss some elements in private.
That closed session lasted three hours and for some reason took a severe turn.
When council came back into public session shortly after noon, it quickly and quietly with no discussion passed a motion to accept a staff decision made in private. It said the budget issues would be discussed at a later date.
Then, the meeting quietly ended.
A few hours later Ostrander issued a news release announcing Moore's departure and lauding her accomplishments.
The news release said no interim CAO had been appointed and senior management will report directly to council.
Yes, this leaves a lot of questions about the budgeting process and key projects, including our new bridge.