Former harbormaster sues Marion

MARION — After an ongoing disagreement over his retirement classification that ended with former Harbormaster Adam Murphy leaving the position in March, he is now suing the town for a breach of contract.

The suit, filed April 14, claims Murphy was concerned his job title, description and compensation did not reflect his contract with the town but was not updated appropriately. He also says he never resigned from the job, but was instead put on administrative leave before his job was terminated. 

“The reason for the lawsuit is because I waited an entire year after a negotiation for my contract for the police chief to figure out my retirement, to create policies that were in line with the language in the contract within the police department, and it never happened,” Murphy said. 

The disagreement came to a head at a Jan. 28 meeting between Murphy and several town officials, during which Murphy signed a document adding shellfish constable to his job description and granting him a $2,500 stipend.

While Murphy claims he never resigned from the job during this meeting, the town claims he did.

In answer to Murphy’s complaint, the town has denied any wrongdoing and claims it has acted in accordance with the law and in good faith. Further, the response says “all or substantially all of the claims made by the Plaintiff against Defendant are wholly insubstantial, frivolous and not advanced in good faith.”

Both parties have demanded a trial by jury.