Ashland Town Manager Michael Herbert will receive a full year’s salary as part of his agreement to step down, according to his separation agreement with the town.
The Ashland Select Board and Herbert announced on Aug. 5 that the two sides agreed that Herbert would be leaving his job, effective Sept. 1. He was on leave at the time and will remain on leave through Sept. 1.
According to the separation agreement, obtained by the Daily News through a public records request, Herbert is using accrued personal and sick time through Sept. 1. After his final day, he will receive $243,600 — an amount equivalent to one year's salary.
The separation agreement called Herbert leaving the town a “mutually agreed” decision and said, “Mr. Herbert’s health has necessitated that he commence and remain on sick leave,” until his final day on Sept. 1.
He will not do any town manager duties but will make himself “reasonably available” for consultations and provide a detailed “transition memorandum.”
Agreement includes 'mutual non-disparagement' clause
As part of the agreement, the board agrees to give a professional reference and not to give interviews or make public statements other than which was released on Aug. 5. Both Herbert and the town agree to not “publicly disparage, denigrate or provide negative comments” about one another, including current or former town employees and officials.
“The parties agree that this ‘mutual non-disparagement’ clause is an important part of this agreement and is a material condition to induce both parties to execute the same,” according to the agreement.
Ashland Town Manager Michael Herbert will step down, effective Sept. 1
Both sides agreed to not file any claims against one another, either in court or otherwise.
Herbert has been with Ashland for 13 years, the last 10 and a half as town manager. He has been on leave for an unspecified reason since mid-July.
According to his last Select Board evaluation, on Aug. 6, 2025, he received an overall 4.4. score on a scale of 1 to 5, meaning he met and exceeded expectations.
His contract was scheduled to run through Dec. 31.
Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or [email protected]. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on X @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerJournalist.