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Haverhill Audit Cleared of Issues, Board Chair Says Amid Administrator Exit
• The Haverhill Selectboard Chair cited an auditor's letter stating no financial irregularities have been found in the ongoing forensic audit.
• Town Administrator Tom Galinat was placed on leave and resigned, later alleging the board mishandled audit concerns he raised.
• A $100,000 forensic audit of town finances from 2019 onward was approved by voters and remains in progress.
• Board Chair Vickie Wyman declined to publicly discuss personnel matters, citing confidentiality obligations.
Amidst the departure of its town administrator, the Haverhill Selectboard has moved to address public concerns over municipal financial oversight, with its chair stating an independent auditor has reported no findings of concern thus far. The statement comes as the town proceeds with a voter-mandated forensic audit.
At a recent public meeting, Selectboard Chair Vickie Wyman read a letter from forensic auditor Scott Eagan, dated August 11. In the correspondence, Eagan wrote he is “not aware of any issues” requiring board action at this time and that the town’s work has been consistent with standard procedures. The audit, which will include an on-site visit next week focusing on tax sales and vendor payments, was initiated by a petitioned article at the 2025 town meeting, allocating $100,000 to examine spending from 2019 onward.
The situation unfolds following the administrative leave and subsequent resignation of Town Administrator Tom Galinat. While initially citing personal reasons for his departure, Galinat later told the Valley News that the “real reason” was the board’s failure to act on his warnings about poor auditing practices. He characterized his leave as punishment for raising these concerns. Board members have declined to elaborate on the personnel action, with Chair Wyman emphasizing the board’s obligation to respect confidentiality requirements and stating it will not engage in a public point-by-point response to allegations.
Auditor Scott Eagan confirmed the investigation is ongoing and that he will notify the board of any serious situations, though public disclosure may await a final report. The board’s public stance, relying on the auditor’s interim assessment, aims to reassure residents while the procedural and personnel matters surrounding the administrator's exit continue internally.