Eastbayri.com

EAST BAY — The Bristol County Water Authority could have a new executive director named in just a few days. In an interview on Thursday, BCWA board of directors chairman John Jannitto said the board was hoping to make an official announcement next week.

"We've already interviewed. I'm hopeful that within a week we'll be able to have a new director named," he said. "We've got it narrowed down. We've almost made an offer."

Mr. Jannitto would not specify who the finalists were.

Pasquale DeLise served as executive director of the water authority for many years but retired at the end of December. Mr. DeLise and the board of directors had faced stern criticism over the last two years; town officials and ratepayers said the authority was being mismanaged.

Last year, town council members from Barrington, Warren and Bristol — the three towns served by the BCWA — ordered an operations audit, which later revealed some problems at the water authority. Following the audit the authority has undergone some changes. A number of board members have resigned — one in Barrington, two in Bristol and one in Warren — and Mr. DeLise has since left his post.

The board began advertising for a new executive director last year and was hoping to name Mr. DeLise's replacement before Jan. 1, but missed that deadline. Mr. Jannitto said the board had already named Joe Granada, a current employee of the water authority, the interim executive director.

"Joe's done an excellent job," Mr. Jannitto said. "He was appointed acting executive director a few months ago because Pasquale had some medical problems."

Seventeen people applied for the executive director's job and the board, with help from town administrators in Barrington, Warren and Bristol, whittled down that list to six finalists. Mr. Jannitto said the board interviewed the six finalists over two-day period and was impressed with the candidates.

"I can tell you we had an exceptional block of candidates. Although I don't know why anyone would want this job," said Mr. Jannitto, referring to the often-scrutinized position.

When asked if the board had questioned candidates on that matter, Mr. Jannitto said they had. "They all said they like a challenge," he said.