WESTPORT — Facing a big pay cut delivered to him by Town Meeting voters, embattled town Treasurer Brad Brightman has proposed a plan that would have him quit his post less than halfway through the current fiscal year.

In a letter to selectmen, Mr. Brightman said that voters in May cut his salary for this year to $30,000, which he said is 57 percent less than the $68,979 he was to have received.

Instead of getting paid that $30,000 over 12 months, Mr. Brightman asked that he paid at his present bi-weekly rate of $2,601 until the “$30,000 is exhausted at which time the treasurer will resign, opening the position sooner for appointment.” That money would run out around December 1.

After some discussion, selectmen said they are inclined to go along with the deal if a proper contract can be worked out by the town administrator, town attorney and Mr. Brightman.

“This is a desirable outcome,” said selectman Richard Brewer, “that the treasurer is willing to leave earlier than he could (his elected term ends April 14, 2020) … A very reasonable proposal” that enables the town to begin its search for a professional replacement sooner.

Selectman Brian Valcourt said he tends to agree but has misgivings. “My only concern is that, up to this point, he has been completely inept … and would be inept for another five or six months.”

Board Chairwoman Shana Shufelt said she is “torn … I like the idea of having a firm ending. I think it shows really good faith on Mr. Brightman’s part (but) I’m a little concerned about us making an appointment of someone who I personally don’t think is a great appointment.”

Earlier, Ms. Shufelt said she had discussed the offer with town counsel.

The attorney said that selectmen have no authority to accept a resignation from an elected official. If an elected official wishes to resign he/she needs to give notice to the town clerk.

Also, Town Meeting voters set the salaries of elected officials to be divided over the year in equal increments. Our board doesn’t have the authority on our own (to change that) without going to a special town meeting,” she said.

But the attorney did suggest that there is a way around this, given that the town recently changed the position of treasurer from elected to appointed — to take effect once Mr. Brightman is no longer in office.

“The Board of Selectmen would have the authority to make a salary adjustment for a non-elected official,” Ms. Shufelt said. In the event that the position becomes vacant, the Board of Selectmen could enter into an agreement with the interim treasurer to pay this sort of salary, she said. Thus, if the treasurer resigns, the BOS could reappoint him under the proposed pay schedule.

Board members asked Town Administrator Tim King to try to work something out in time for the board’s next meeting.

Treasury rescue

Responding to an inquiry made several weeks ago by selectmen (see related story), accountant Eric A. Kinsherf said he would be willing to continue his consulting work on behalf of the treasurer’s department at a fee of $24,000 through the 2020 fiscal year.

Ms. Shufelt said it is her opinion that the continued services are needed. Although Mr. Kinsherf managed to get the office caught up by the end of last year, it has already fallen months behind again this year.

Mr. King was asked to work out an arrangement with the consultant.