Bolton treasurer steps down after life insurance blunder

Bolton's town treasurer, Joanne Jenkins, has resigned in the wake of concern about the administration of the town's life insurance policy, said Town Administrator Jodi Ross.

Jenkins had been placed on paid administrative leave last month.

Selectman Ken Troup said the Savings Bank Life Insurance Co. dropped the town in May 2005, but employees continued to pay premiums even though they were no longer receiving coverage.

"We didn't know about it, and we were concerned when we discovered it," said Troup.

He said employees will be reimbursed for the premiums for the period they weren't covered. The amount involved is less than $50 per employee.

Ross said the problem was administrative and no criminal investigation is being conducted.

Two retired employees died in June 2005, but Savings Bank Life Insurance agreed to pay their beneficiaries anyway. Ross said it was only last month that she learned from one of the beneficiaries that the policy had lapsed.

As a result, the town contracted with a new insurance company, Boston Mutual Life Insurance.

Selectmen are considering increasing the payout from $5,000 to $10,000. That would raise the premium from $3.07 a month to $3.95.

Ross said she and the Personnel Committee are looking into upgrading the treasurer post from part time to full time.

Jenkins, who had been treasurer for five years, could not be reached for comment.

MATT GUNDERSON