Sue Pimental Appointed as Rehoboth Town Administrator

Sue Pimental, the Director of Finance and Compliance, was appointed Monday by the Board of Selectmen to serve as Town Administrator.

Pimental was one of three finalists. The Board conducted interviews on Monday. The other candidates were Christine DeMoranville, the Treasurer/Collector in Taunton, and Anthony Delmonaco, the Chief Financial Officer in Weymouth.

When asked why she was applying for the position, Pimental cited her past political experience.

“I’ve been a resident for almost 24 years, I’ve been a part of town government for 12 years, six on the Finance Committee and six on the Board of Selectmen, the last three years as Director of Finance,” Pimental said. “I know I would be an asset to the town and to the Board. I checked out all my options. I know this was the right choice for me.”

Pimental believes her past experience working for different businesses will be beneficial to serving as Town Administrator.

“I think that’s important when you go into the municipal world,” Pimental noted. “I’m well versed in the accounting as well as operations as a small business owner. If you give me something to do, I’m going to get it done. I’m going to come to you with solutions, not problems. Whatever goals the board has for Rehoboth, I’m going to assist you in that.”

Pimental also emphasized the need to work collaboratively with other town departments.

“Certainly I’m a team player. At the end of the day, it’s the will of the Board of Selectmen. I look at (them) as the Board of Directors and all of us as the employees who will get the work done. I’m certainly going to bring to you any issues that I see or things that we should be looking at.”

Pimental said she had a “great working relationship” with Dighton-Rehoboth School Superintendent Bill Runey, who recommended her for the position.

“Anything that I’ve asked from him, the business manager, the treasurer, they’ve been very forthcoming in giving me information. I think that’s critical in being well aware of their budget process.”

Selectmen Chair Skip Vadnais quoted Runey as saying Pimental has “consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of municipal finance, strong work ethic, and a clear commitment to doing what is right.”

Pimental wants the town to plan for the long-term financial challenges.

“We’re very fortunate that we had some excess free cash. The school (district) gave us a nice benefit, so take that and set us up for the future. It’s going to get tighter. We need to look at ways to streamline the process but still provide the services that the residents deserve.”

Last February, the Board decided to combine the positions of Town Administrator and Director of Finance. Deborah Arruda, who has served as Town Administrator for the past three years, and Pimental, were notified their contracts would not be renewed upon their expiration on June 30.

Pimental promised to stay as Town Administrator for more than a year.

“I’m in it for however long the board wants me in this position. I think it’s important that there’s some continuity for awhile.”