ATHOL – After serving 15 years – five terms – Stephen Raymond officially resigned at the conclusion of the Selectboard meeting this past Tuesday night.

Raymond, who will be 80 in May, said he decided not to run in next Monday’s Town Election, adding that it was time to step down, and he feels he’s leaving the town in good hands.

“I’ll still be doing meals at the Salvation Army,” said Raymond, a longtime volunteer with the organization.

Prior to the meeting, fellow board members, several town employees and friends gathered in Memorial Hall for a farewell party, complete with a card, gifts and cake.

Board member Rebecca Bialecki related that Raymond spoke with her when he first considered running for the board in 2010.

“He said, ‘I don’t know if I’ll win. Nobody really knows who I am,’” said Bialecki. “Well, he won, and then he won again and again and again and again – five times.”

“A lot of times I was unopposed,” Raymond interjected with characteristic modesty.

“I think Stephen was a stabilizing force on the Selectboard,” Bialecki continued, wishing Raymond the best, “because we have a lot of big personalities who have come to the Selectboard in the time that I’ve been on. Stephen always just kept things nice and calm and fair.”

Later, at the start of the board meeting, Raymond was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation signed by his fellow board members, as well as a resolution by the House, recognizing his years of service to Athol.

“Just a few people may know this,” said Town Manager Shaun Suhoski, “but Stephen is the final member still here from the Selectboard that hired me back in 2014.”

Turning to Raymond, Suhoski continued, “You’ve been here as a mentor and a steadying influence; someone who’s been very reliable, cares about the town –you give your personal time. There are so many causes – you don’t like to have it acknowledged – but it does not go unnoticed. And I really appreciate your mentorship over the years and wish you well.”

Suhoski then began a presentation to the Selectboard, Finance and Warrant Advisory Committee, and Capital Program Committee detailing some of the challenges he’s facing in constructing the general operating budget for fiscal year 2026, which begins July 1. Suhoski said increases in the town’s retirement assessment and employee health insurance premiums account for much of the increase in expenses. In addition, Athol’s assessments for the Athol-Royalston and Montachusett regional school districts have gone up, along with roperty and casualty insurance, workers compensation, and auditing and IT costs.

Acting on a motion put forward by Bialecki, the Selectboard, FWAC, and CPC all voted to apply 10% of the $1.8 million in free cash toward covering some of the additional expenses.

As the meeting neared its end, Raymond thanked everyone for the kind words and offered his appreciation for his years as a member. He said this has been a job that he has enjoyed, and feels that the time has come for “some young folks to come in here.”

“But I feel very strongly the Town of Athol is on the right track,” he said. “In my 15 years, I feel very strongly that we have the best town manager we’ve had since I’ve been sitting on this board. It’s very important that we look at funding those things that we can afford to fund. But I just want to thank you all for your kind words. I’ll miss it all.”

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.