Mattapoisett Selectmen set the record straight on a rumor regarding an article for the Special Town Meeting on November 19.

The article, a proposal that would give Selectmen more authority over the harbormaster position, has been misunderstood by many in town, according to the Selectmen.

“Contrary to popular rumor around town, that article is not for the institution of a full-time harbormaster,” said Selectmen Chair Jordan Collyer.

The position currently falls under a Commonwealth statute that makes it very difficult to evaluate and discipline the harbormaster, said Town Administrator Mike Gagne.

The statute states, "The harbor master is removed for neglect of duty, negligence or conduct unbecoming a harbormaster.”

“This statue was enacted in 1902,” he said. “We’re trying to bring professionalism to this position.”

Selectman Paul Silva said, without the law, a harbormaster appointment is effectively for life.

Collyer emphasized that the article did not reflect on current Harbormaster Horace Field.

Gagne also said that the part-time or full-time status of the position is something that must be discussed based on the Waterways Enterprise Fund.

He said before the issue could be entertained, the Selectmen, the town’s financial officers and others would have to discuss the costs of both options including benefits, retirement, and health insurance.